To continue accommodating the growth of the health care sector in Saudi Arabia, Cerner Middle East, the premier health care information technology (HIT) solution provider, announced the expansion of its office in Riyadh, which was launched in 2008. Through the expanded office, Cerner aims to strengthen its commitment in Saudi Arabia; support its client base as well as enhance its implementations for the Saudi market.
According to recent reports, Saudi Arabia’s health care budget for 2013 is $27.4 billion and expected to increase to $47.7 billion by 20171. In addition, the Ministry of Health plans to increase total bed capacity of the country’s health care system by 44,000 beds by 2015.
“The Kingdom is fulfilling its aspiring vision to transform health care in Saudi Arabia. This is testimonial to the growing health care demand, strong government support, a robust economy and a flourishing HIT community,” said Mike Pomerance, Cerner Middle East vice president and managing director. “Our new Saudi Arabia office will support us building on our success in the region as we strive to increase local support for our clients.”
The Saudi Arabia branch of Cerner Middle East is located at Al Degheither Building, Tahliya Street in Riyadh. Last year, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital (PMAH) in Riyadh and Cerner signed a landmark agreement to automate clinical information processes in the hospital. PMAH will use Cerner Millennium, a unified health IT computing platform, to enable its health professionals to prioritize safety, efficiency and evidence-based best practices.
“We have a vision to move PMAH to the forefront in adoption of advanced clinical systems technology,” said PMAH Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Saleh AlOqiel. “By implementing Cerner solutions, we will consolidate and standardize our medical procedures to enhance the quality of information available to our clinicians and support safe and quality care for our patients.”
In 2011, Riyadh Valley Company (RVC) of King Saud University, a Saudi government owned investment firm which aims to be the leader in knowledge-based investment and technology transfer in Saudi Arabia, entered into partnership with Cerner and Zamil Group, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading business groups, to form Riyadh Valley HIS Company.
This collaboration offers health information systems and services (HIS) to its affiliated hospitals, other Ministry of Higher Education hospitals and private hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Working with 12 facilities in Saudi Arabia, Cerner Middle East has provided HIT solutions to clients for more than 20 years, including King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre and National Guard Health Affairs.
