The Saudi Arabian healthcare market is witnessing rapid growth and will continue to expand exponentially in future, a new report dubbed “Saudi Arabian Healthcare Market Forecast to 2012” said. The Kingdom's rapidly increasing population, due to which demand is outpacing supply, can be regarded as the main push for the market, the report said. “And as the incidences of a number of lifestyle diseases, such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension in the country among the highest in the world, these will significantly boost the healthcare spending in future,” it noted. The report pointed out that the government plays a central role in providing healthcare services in the Kingdom, accounting for around 75 percent of the total healthcare spending in the country. The government accounted for 67 percent of the total hospitals and 77 percent of the total hospital beds in the country in 2006. However, it noted that “the government expenditure on healthcare increasing faster than its total income; as a result, government may resort to cost cutting measures in future.” The report added that the government is rapidly promoting the involvement of private healthcare in the country. “So big investment will be seen from the private sector in the forecasted period, and according to our estimates, the private sector will account for 62 percent for all new beds installed during 2006-2012.” Nonetheless, slump in crude oil prices due to economic recession can hit the nation's economy though the “the fast diversification of the country's economy into other sectors will provide it a buffer against the severe impact of economic turmoil,” the report said. It further said despite some challenges such as shortage of skilled workers, dependency on oil, among others, the market's future will remain bright with all three sectors - hospital services, pharmaceuticals and medicals devices - expected to show sustained growth. “Saudi Arabian Healthcare Market Forecast to 2012” gives an extensive and objective analysis on the Saudi Arabian healthcare market. The report has segmented the healthcare industry into hospital services, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. It provides analytical and statistical information on these segments, including their market size, demand, supply, segmentation and key players. It also features an analysis on the future directions, supplemented with facts and figures. The report serves as a useful guide for healthcare companies, government officials, consultants and investors who are planning to enter the Saudi Arabia healthcare market. __
