One thousand patients with chronic kidney disease in Saudi Arabia are now receiving high-quality kidney care through a partnership established in 2014 between the Saudi Ministry of Health and DaVita Kidney Care, a leading global provider of kidney care services. "As we celebrate this milestone, we are extremely grateful to the Ministry of Health for the opportunity to provide the best-in-class kidney care to Saudis," said Dr. Abdulkareem Alsuwaida, chief medical officer of DaVita in Saudi Arabia. "Ninety-four percent of our patients report high levels of satisfaction in our clinics, and 96 percent of our patients believe we create a positive environment – and we will continue to improve on those scores." Moreover, DaVita has improved clinical outcomes for patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). The company has improved kt/V results, a standard measure of dialysis adequacy, after a patient's first six months in DaVita's care, by over 12 percent. DaVita patients also saw a 20 percent improvement in anemia management after their first six months of treatment. DaVita has already opened eight clinics and expects to more than double this number in 2016. The company also opened the first free-standing vascular access center in Saudi Arabia. By bringing kidney care to isolated and hard-to-reach communities, patients can have better access to care, and Saudi healthcare professionals can have access to more job opportunities and further training opportunities. In addition to kidney care, DaVita has helped move the US healthcare industry forward with its focus on integrated care, which places a patient at the center of the healthcare system and leverages the physician to lead care with a team of specialists, hospitals and pharmacies to fully manage all aspects of the patient's care. "Our investment so far in the Kingdom is only the first step in using our expertise in improving the delivery of healthcare," said Dennis Kogod, chief executive officer of DaVita International. "We are committed to improving not only kidney care but also the overall healthcare and well-being of Saudis in partnership with the Ministry of Health." — SG
