KSA Telehealth Market Outlook to 2028

KSA Telehealth Services Market Overview

• The telehealth services market in Saudi Arabia is growing significantly during the period 2028-2023. In 2018, the market size was USD 445 Mn which grew to USD 910 Mn by 2023.
• This growth is driven by several factors, including the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, the rising demand for healthcare services in remote and underserved areas, and the government’s strategic initiatives to digitize healthcare under Vision 2030.
• Key players in the market include Teladoc Health, Seha Virtual Hospital, Saudi Telemedicine Network, Mawid, and Cura. These companies are leading the market through innovative service offerings, strategic partnerships, and expanding their telehealth platforms.
• In 2023, Sehhaty, a leading telehealth platform in Saudi Arabia, announced the launch of an AI-powered virtual assistant to enhance patient engagement and streamline healthcare services.

KSA Telehealth Services Current Market Analysis

• The Central region of KSA, particularly Riyadh, dominates the telehealth market. Riyadh, being the capital, has well-developed healthcare facilities and a higher concentration of hospitals and medical centres equipped with advanced telehealth technologies.
• Telehealth services have enhanced access to medical care, particularly for individuals in remote and underserved areas. This has been instrumental in bridging the healthcare gap and ensuring that more citizens receive timely medical attention.
• In 2023, Saudi Telecom Company (STC) announced a significant investment of USD 50 million in its telehealth infrastructure to enhance service delivery and expand its customer base.

KSA Telehealth Services Market Segmentation

The KSA Telehealth market can be segmented based on various factors. Here are three key segmentation types with their sub-segments and estimated market share ranges:

By Service Type: KSA Telehealth services are segmented into virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and telehealth software. Virtual consultations dominate as they offer convenience, reduce travel time, and provide quick access to healthcare professionals, leading to higher adoption rates across various regions in the country.

By End-User: KSA Telehealth services are segmented into Hospitals, Clinics, and Home Care. Hospitals dominate the end-user segment as they have the infrastructure, extensive resources, and capability to adopt and integrate telehealth services on a large scale effectively, ensuring comprehensive patient care and monitoring.

By Technology: KSA Telehealth service market is segmented into mhealth, Video Conferencing and Remote Monitoring. mHealth dominates due to the widespread adoption of mobile devices and health apps, allowing easy access to health services and information. Video conferencing is critical for enabling real-time virtual consultations.

KSA Telehealth Services Market Competitive Landscape

Tawakkalna: In 2023, Tawakkalna launched a new feature integrating telehealth services with electronic health records (EHR), allowing seamless sharing of patient data between healthcare providers. It has facilitated over 10 million telehealth consultations, significantly improving healthcare accessibility across KSA by 2023.

Sehhaty: Sehhaty provides a comprehensive telehealth platform integrating AI and machine learning for personalized healthcare services. As of 2023, it supports over 5 million users in KSA, offering features such as virtual consultations and electronic health records.

Altibbi: Altibbi introduced a new AI-powered symptom checker in 2022, enhancing its telehealth platform's diagnostic capabilities. It has facilitated over 1 million consultations in KSA alone, providing access to healthcare professionals through its user-friendly app in 2023.

KSA Telehealth Services Industry Analysis:

KSA Telehealth Services Market Growth Drivers

• Government Support and Initiatives on Health awareness: The Saudi Health Transformation Program have been pivotal in promoting telehealth adoption. The Ministry of Health allocated SAR 3.5 billion in 2024 to enhance telehealth services and infrastructure.
• Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases: The prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions in KSA is rising. In 2024, the prevalence of diabetes in Saudi Arabia was reported at 18.3% of the adult population, driving demand for remote monitoring and teleconsultation services to manage these conditions more effectively.
• Telehealth Technological Advancements: Technological advancements in AI, IoT, and telecommunication have significantly enhanced telehealth capabilities. In 2024, Saudi Telecom Company (STC) launched a new AI-powered telehealth platform capable of real-time patient monitoring and predictive analytics.
• Pandemic Influence and Changing Consumer Behavior: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth as a safer and more convenient alternative to in-person consultations. By 2024, over 60% of healthcare providers in KSA had integrated telehealth services into their practice.

KSA Telehealth Services Market Challenges

• Regulatory and Compliance Issues: Navigating the complex regulatory landscape in KSA presents a significant challenge for telehealth service providers. In 2024, the Ministry of Health introduced new guidelines to ensure the quality and safety of telehealth services.
• Limited Digital Literacy: A significant portion of the population in KSA lacks the digital literacy necessary to effectively utilize telehealth services. According to a survey conducted by the Saudi General Authority for Statistics in 2024, approximately 30% of the population reported having limited or no digital skills.
• Data Privacy and Security Concerns: Data privacy and security are critical concerns in the telehealth market. Patients are often hesitant to share sensitive health information online due to fears of data breaches and unauthorized access. In 2024, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) emphasized the importance of robust data protection measures to build trust among users.

KSA InitiativesA Telehealth Services Government 

• The Vision 2030: The Saudi government's Vision 2030 initiative aims to transform the healthcare sector by promoting digital health solutions. The Ministry of Health has launched several programs to support telehealth adoption, including the National Health Information Center and the Saudi Telemedicine Network.
• National Health Information Center (NHIC): The National Health Information Center (NHIC) was established to support the implementation of digital health solutions in KSA. In 2024, the NHIC launched several initiatives to enhance telehealth infrastructure and improve healthcare accessibility, benefiting patients and healthcare providers across the country.
• Digital Health Strategy: The Saudi government's Digital Health Strategy aims to enhance the digital infrastructure of the healthcare system and promote the adoption of telehealth services. According to the Ministry of Health, the strategy includes initiatives to improve internet connectivity, increase digital literacy, and ensure data privacy and security, supporting the growth of telehealth services.

KSA Telehealth Services Future Outlook

The KSA telehealth services market is expected to grow steadily, driven by continuous advancements in telecommunication technologies, increasing healthcare demand, and supportive government policies. The integration of AI and ML in telehealth platforms will further enhance the quality and efficiency of healthcare services, driving market growth.

Future Market Trends

• Increased Adoption of Telehealth Platforms: The adoption of telehealth platforms is expected to accelerate significantly in KSA. According to the Saudi Ministry of Health, there was a 70% increase in telehealth consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 500,000 teleconsultations conducted in 2020 alone. This trend is expected to continue, with projections indicating that 60% of healthcare services will be delivered through telehealth platforms by 2025.
• Expansion of Remote Monitoring and Chronic Disease Management: Remote patient monitoring and chronic disease management through telehealth will see significant growth. According to the National Health Information Centre (NHIC), there was a 50% increase in the use of remote monitoring devices in 2021. This is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20% over the next five years. By 2026, it is estimated that 25% of chronic disease management in KSA will be conducted remotely, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.