Overview
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has a publicly funded healthcare system which is overseen by The Ministry of Health (MOH). In Saudi Arabia's regions and Governorates, the MOH has public hospitals, healthcare centers, and specialized diabetic centers. Health care service is free to citizens and residents working with Saudi government at any level. Other Public Health Service providers apart from the MOH are Universitiy Hospitals, Armed Forces Medical Services, Security Forces Hospital, National Guard Medical Services, Royal Commission Hospitals, and Arabian American Oil Company (ARAMCO). There are also private owned hospitals where patients are responsible for their own medical bills or are financed by their health insurance. In total, there are about twenty Diabetic Centers spread across the Kingdom. Organizations such as the Saudi Diabetes & Endocrine Association also help to create awareness about prevention and care of diabetes.

What happens if you need to see a doctor?
People with diabetes are expected to register with the closest government hospital or the specialized diabetes clinic within their locality. On a regular basis people with diabetes may also consult doctors in primary healthcare centers or public hospitals and, in the case of referral, there are endocrinologists on hand in the Diabetes Centers.

Who decides what medicines a doctor can prescribe?
The Saudi Food and Drug authority is the drug regulator in the country and the Ministry of Health (MOH) is in-charge of drugs and medical technology in all hospitals. The MOH also provides standard guideline for drug prescription and administration.

Practically, what is it like to live with type 1 diabetes in Saudi Arabia?
All Saudi citizens have direct access to primary care for management of most chronic diseases, including diabetes. There are specialists, dieticians, psychologists and endocrinologists accessible at public hospitals and diabetes clinics. Drugs, including insulin are provided free of charge. There is also a large amount of family support for people living with diabetes.

What about getting admitted to hospital?
Due to the free healthcare policy for citizens and non-Saudi government workers in the Kingdom, hospital admission when required is prompt and immediate. For non-Saudis who are private workers, they receive admission paid for by their health insurance plans.

How does diabetes care vary throughout Saudi Arabia?
The government puts a lot of effort and funding into the management of people with diabetes in the Kingdom. Medication and other treatment provided by public hospitals is free of charge for all patients. Essential support like test strips, insulin, glucometers, insulin pumps and other supplies are also free to patients. They are adequately available in all public hospitals and the specialized diabetic centers.

A big thanks to Rashidat Temilade of Travel Army for helping us with this information.