effective solutions for health care delivery will be the theme of the presentation of Dr. Fawaz Alalami, deputy minister of commerce for technical affairs. Representatives of the World Bank, WHO and international academic and research institutions will also take part in the deliberations that will cover cost-cutting measures in the health care system through operational efficiency and greater involvement of the private sector in providing health services. Dr. Alorifi said an increased share of the private sector participation in health care projects has become necessary in view of the population growth rate of four percent annually. Of the SR40-50 billion spent on healthcare development in the Kingdom, the government bore 80 percent of the cost, with only 20 percent of the amount coming from the private sector. He said the conference will provide a forum for the exchange of experience both at regional and international levels on cutting health care costs and streamlining the administrative system.
