Riyadh, Sha'ban 1, 1439, Apr 17, 2018, SPA -- The National Center for Privatization (NCP) affirmed that work is in progress to inaugurate privatization opportunities and partnership between the public and private opportunities in 10 sectors in accordance with the Kingdom Vision 2030. The privatization process has received support from His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defense, who is also the Chairman of the Council for Economic and Development Affairs. In a press statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the NCP announced the privatization of the health sector, one of the targeted sectors, is proceeding according to the Supervisory Committee’s (SC) approved plan. The SC for health is chaired by the Minister of Health and membership of the Minister of Finance and the NCP Chairman. The first step taken by the Supervisory Committee was to establish a government-owned holding company and five regional companies to strengthen the transformation and restructuring of the health sector. The Supervisory Committee then completed a comprehensive study of the health sector that identified nine areas for private sector participation which include healthcare centers; operating hospitals, medical cities, and radiology clinics; as well as rehabilitative treatment, extended care, home care, laboratories, pharmacies and supplies. The study also covered the corporatization of the General Organization for King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center to become a commercially operated non-profit company with the objective of upgrading healthcare services provided to patients. In addition, the study included government procurement for health and health insurance services for citizens. This program is based on calculating the value of the resulting health services extended to citizens and covered by medical clusters (owned by the companies). The privatization of the health sector under Saudi Vision 2030 is to provide the best health care services for its citizens and to the largest number of patients throughout the Kingdom for free as is currently done. Privatization will result in the modernization and establishment of new health care centers, the enhancement of efficiency and quality, the establishment of a competitive market to provide healthcare services to meet the growing needs in the sector, and the establishment and maintenance of an efficient logistics system serving the sector in the Kingdom. It will also provide sustainable employment opportunities for the citizens in strategic sectors. --SPA 19:41 LOCAL TIME 16:41 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w670681