The Ministry of Health is reported to be considering to re-introduce ‘Balsam’, a universal health insurance scheme, which was drafted a few years ago, with the same previous terms and conditions, as part of the National Transformation Programme, according to sources speaking to Al Eqtesadeya. ‘Balsam’ scheme will cover all medical cases with no exceptions, including dental and chronic conditions, and will also cover all ages and economic groups in the Kingdom. As per earlier announcements by former Health Minister, Hamad Al Manie, ‘Balsam’ issuance will require that medical facilities remain under supervision of the Ministry of Health, but after undergoing renovation and establishing a Health Insurance Fund, which is yet to be established and will be responsible for hospital management. The number of covered personnel in the Kingdom stood at c.13mn, including c.3mn Saudi nationals, where registered insurance providers included 2,755 facilities and 27 qualified health insurance providers, as of 1Q16, according to the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance. (Al Eqtesadeya)