The Ministry of Health plans on privatising 295 hospitals and 2,259 health centres by 2030, as part of the government’s vision 2030 plan, according to a former director at the Ministry’s Administrative and Scholarship General Affairs. The source added that the Ministry had studied the needs of Saudi citizens, who gave positive feedback on health insurance; however, more accessibility is needed, the former director added. The former director further clarified that the Ministry needs to facilitate the transition, where health centres would be managed and operated by the private sector, but under the ownership and supervision of the public sector. The government plans on working towards improving private medical insurance to facilitate access to medical services and reduce waiting times for appointments with specialists and consultants. (Saudi Gazette)