Saudi Arabia cuts chronic disease mortality by 40%, lifts life expectancy to around 80

Saudi Arabia marks World Patient Safety Day 2026 on September 17, highlighting advancements in healthcare quality, prevention, and patient safety. Key accomplishments include a 40% decrease in mortality linked to chronic diseases, an increase in life expectancy from 74 to 79.7 years, and a Healthcare Services Quality Index of 70.4% in 2025, surpassing the target of 60%.

These improvements showcase the country's shift towards preventative, early detection-focused care, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program. Patient safety is portrayed as a shared responsibility, extending beyond hospitals to encompass patients, families, and communities. The Saudi Patient Safety Center is spearheading awareness and educational initiatives, including a workshop on patient and family engagement in care planning and an event at the Sports Boulevard in Riyadh focused on preventing non-communicable diseases and adopting healthy practices.

Director General Dr. Ali bin Tala'a Asery underscores that patient safety is crucial for a high-quality healthcare system and emphasizes the need for continuous, integrated care throughout individuals' lives, promoting prevention, early detection, and shared decision-making.