The King of Saudi Arabia has reportedly approved the proposal drafted by the Ministry of Health regarding the privatisation of the public healthcare services sector and moving forward with plans to establish a universal healthcare insurance programme, according to Al Watan newspaper. The newspaper added that the Royal instructions included approving the establishment of a holding company and five subsidiaries, to be owned by the Health Ministry, during the transitional period, in addition to setting up a programme for universal health insurance and healthcare services purchase. Moreover, the supervisory committee for the healthcare services privatisation (to be established and headed by the Minster of Health) will review and submit the proposal to the Bureau of Experts at The Council of Ministers to be further studied.