Saudi Arabia leading Asia’s transformation into a global medical hub, Over the past three decades, Asia has transformed from a marginal human bloc in the global economy to a major engine of growth. Today, the continent represents a cornerstone of the international economy and a major contributor to global GDP.
This rise has not only improved income and living standards, but has also reshaped the continent’s social and demographic patterns, which has been clearly reflected in the demand for healthcare services, especially with rising life expectancy, an expanding middle class, and the growing role of technology.
However, the remarkable medical progress in a number of countries on the continent has prompted experts to ask: Could Asia, or some of its countries, become a lower-cost alternative to the healthcare systems in Europe and the United States? The answer, according to many analysts, is complex and multifaceted, but the trajectory of investment, innovation, and government reforms, along with the growing role of the private sector, indicates that parts of the continent are heading in this direction.
Growing interest in the health sector
Dr. Barbara Windsor, professor of healthcare policy, explained to Al-Eqtisadiah that demographic shifts in Asia are a key factor in the growing interest in the healthcare sector. However, she emphasized that priorities vary among countries, which gives them an advantage in the form of accumulated diverse expertise.
She said: “In China, the number of people over 65 is expected to exceed 400 million by 2040, increasing by 10 million people annually, opening the way for innovation in geriatric medicine and chronic disease management. In contrast, countries such as India, Indonesia, and the Philippines have a younger population base, which places greater emphasis on reproductive and preventive health.”
She believes this diversity creates broad opportunities for those with diverse medical expertise, attracting medical investments, pharmaceutical companies, and health insurance companies, and strengthening these countries’ positions on the global medical map.
For his part, economic researcher Bob Griffiths confirmed to Al-Eqtisadiah that the growth of Asia’s middle class, expected to reach 3.5 billion by 2030, and rising spending levels have created a new reality in which emerging segments are no longer satisfied with limited public medical services, but are demanding the latest and best treatment methods.
He added, “This is why international hospitals are flourishing in the Arabian Gulf, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as well as in major cities like Shanghai, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur.”
Saudi Arabia is a major player
Professor Davis Cowan, a professor of comparative economics, believes it is too early to say whether Asia will replace Europe and the United States as the global medical center, but he believes that some of its countries will soon succeed in specializing in specific medical fields.
He explained to Al-Eqtisadiah that the bet in countries such as China, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand is based on two factors: first, the low cost, which represents a relatively small fraction of its counterpart in the West, while offering similar quality; and second, the digital revolution, which has radically changed the way medical services are delivered through artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and big data analysis.
Regarding the anticipated role of the Gulf countries, Dr. Paula Lin, Professor of General Surgery, noted that the past two decades have witnessed a remarkable boom in healthcare infrastructure, supported by government investments and advanced infrastructure that has attracted major international medical institutions.
She told Al-Eqtisadiah that Saudi Arabia, in particular, is becoming a major player in regional medical tourism, with a clearly international focus, through the construction of medical cities, the expansion of medical education, and the development of pharmaceutical industries, in addition to its partnerships with major international institutions.
Lynn stated that Saudi Arabia’s success in establishing itself as a global medical hub is achieved by focusing on specific medical specialties where Saudi medical institutions possess accumulated expertise and comparative advantages.
This approach, she added, “will enable Saudi Arabia to gradually transform from a major regional medical hub to one of the world’s most influential medical centers, potentially reshaping the international medical map
