Digital Transformation of the Health Sector During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: In March 2020, the first case of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia was confirmed. In reaction to the outbreak, Saudi Arabia ordered the closure of the majority of governmental and private services. Technology and digital solutions have made it possible to provide essential services after the implementation of these severe protection requirements. Objective: This study aims to show how Saudi Arabia used digital technology during the COVID-19 epidemic in the fields of public health and health care services, and shedding insight on the efficacy of digital transformation in Saudi Arabia for preventing the spread of Covid-19. Methods: Using public announcements, press briefings and releases, news clips, published statistics, peerreviewed literature, and professional debates, we documented Saudi Arabia's usage of digital technologies throughout the epidemic. Results: The government and business sectors of Saudi Arabia jointly created and released around 19 applications and platforms that support public health duties and offer health care. Detailed descriptions of each are given. Companies in the telecommunications industry collaborated well and took steps to assist continuing efforts. Using social media, websites, and SMS text messages, risk communication initiatives adhered to best practice guidelines. Conclusions: An important step toward digital transformation has been taken by Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 framework. This shift was made possible by COVID-19. For future epidemics in Saudi Arabia, artificial intelligence might be used to integrate data from several sources. Reducing the number of applications and combining their operations may also boost and make it easier for people to utilize them.