Saudi Arabia has seen a unique gesture in the framework of Arab health cooperation, where the Ministry of Saudi Health has announced the launch of the digital link between a hospital. «Virtual health» The announcement was made in the presence of H.E. Mr. Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalgal and his Syrian counterpart, Dr. Mussab al-Ali, together with H.E. Abdallam Kahil, Minister of Communications and Syrian Information, who participated in visual contact.
This declaration is not merely a technical step but the beginning of a new era in the exchange of experience and medical services remotely, and the project seeks to raise the level of health care in Syria, reflecting the role of the Kingdom as a lead force in the field of virtual medicine.
Digital cooperation for patients
The digital link represents a qualitative leap in health relations between the two countries, allowing for the opening of direct and effective channels of communication between health platforms, which facilitates the provision of immediate 24-hour consultations, diagnosis and treatment, benefiting patients in both countries.
Through this linkage, Syrian medical personnel will benefit from the experience and specialization of Saudi doctors, which will contribute to accelerating the Syrian health system ' s response and providing advanced medical services that go beyond geographical boundaries.
In this context, Maale Abdal Salam participated in the first real digital consultation of an emergency medical situation, which was managed from Damascus Hospital Al-Majihad with a team from the Virtual Health Hospital in Riyadh, reflecting the effectiveness of such cooperation.
Memorandum of understanding enhancing cooperation
In a related context, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ministers of Health of the two countries to strengthen partnership in the areas of training, scientific exchange and the development of digital health services, an important step towards supporting health-care projects and expanding the use of telemedicine, as well as promoting technological cooperation between the two sides.
This cooperation is embedded in practice by following up on the first surgical operation in a Damascus hospital, where immediate medical consultation was made through video communication techniques, which has demonstrated the ability of this link to deliver tangible results.
Importance of digital connectivity
The digital link between the Virtual Health Hospital and the Syrian Ministry of Health is a qualitative shift in health care, reflecting:
- Integration of health infrastructure: Linkages allow for the establishment of direct channels of communication, facilitating rapid exchange of information and services.
- Telemedical services: Saudi doctors are provided with the possibility of providing round-the-clock consultations and treatment, reflecting the permanent development of medical services.
- Syrian health system support: Linking contributes to strengthening the response of medical personnel to critical situations, supporting the building of a strong health system.
- Strengthening the Kingdom ' s position: Establishes the status of Saudi Arabia as a regional centre in the field of virtual medicine and reflects the commitment of the two countries to developing digital cooperation.
Virtual Health Hospital:
In February 2022, Saudi Arabia saw the opening of the Virtual Health Hospital, a pilot initiative within the Kingdom ' s vision of 2030, aimed at achieving health justice and access to specialized services in all regions of the Kingdom. The hospital currently provides services to more than 200 hospitals and 2,000 health centres and allows beneficiaries to receive consultations in a few minutes.
The hospital has entered the Guinness index as the world ' s largest virtual hospital, reflecting the significant progress made by the Kingdom in the area of digital health care.
