Abstract

Aim/background: Saudi Arabia the healthcare system is being reshaped under Vision 2030 through market privatization and digital technology. Each reform aims to enhance healthcare, however, concurrent implementation may affect access. This review evaluated the cumulative impact of these changes on healthcare access and equity in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Electronic PubMed and Scopus searches provided studies on Saudi Arabian healthcare access, including privatization, CHIS, E-Health, and population experience. Thematic analysis examined population capacity and health system accessibility.
Results: Saudi Arabia’s healthcare landscape combines a comprehensive publicly funded digital system for citizens with private insurance arrangements that cover private-sector employees and expatriates. health: a state-subsidized digital public system for citizens and compulsory private insurance for private sector workers and expatriates with private providers. The growth of CHIS has increased the covered population, yet premiums have remained high. There has been a digital push for greater use of the Sehhaty and SEHA Virtual Hospital platforms for rural access. Such digital divides between the elderly, usability issues in health apps, and insufficient primary care remain challenges for some groups of populations. User-centred design improvements are making digital platforms increasingly intuitive, enabling older adults to engage comfortably with online services. have chronic conditions and challenges with digital care technology. Urban areas have fewer primary care sites than rural areas.
Conclusion: The future of Saudi healthcare is promising but is accompanied by access issues, especially for older patients with chronic diseases. Privatization and digitalization lead to a stratified system. A patient-centered approach can bridge the digital divide, establish robust primary care, and offer equitable healthcare for everyone in Vision 2030 reforms.

Key words: Saudi Arabia, Healthcare Access, Healthcare Equity, Vision 2030, Privatization, Compulsory Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS)