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What does freedom of information mean?

It is the unprotected public information that the Council processes regardless of its source, form or nature. Open data falls under public information. The process of providing public data to individuals in return for a fee is called freedom of information.

Who can request information?

Any individual has the right to request information related to the activities of the Saudi Health Council, in order to promote transparency and accountability.

What are the rights of individuals regarding access to or obtaining public information?

* Right to access and obtain any unprotected information: Individuals have the right to access any unprotected public information held by the Saudi Health Council.
* Right to know the reason for refusal: Individuals have the right to know the reason for the rejection of their request to access or obtain information.
* Right to complain: Individuals have the right to complain about the decision to reject their request to access or obtain information.

What information can be requested?

All unprotected (public) information produced by the Saudi Health Council can be requested, which aims to improve performance, work efficiency, and data utilization.

What is protected information?

Protected information includes the following:
* Information that may harm national security, policy, interests, or rights.
* Military and security information.
* Information and documents obtained under an agreement with another country.
* Investigations, inquiries, seizure actions, inspections, and monitoring related to a crime or violation.
* Information that includes recommendations or suggestions not yet issued.
* Commercial, industrial, financial, economic, or health information that may lead to illicit profit or loss.
* Scientific or technical research, or intellectual property rights.
* Information related to competitions, tenders, and auctions.
* Information that is confidential or personal under another system.

How long does processing take?

* The Council processes the request and informs the applicant within 30 days of receiving the request.
* The individual is provided with the requested information within 10 business days of receiving the payment.
* If the Council extends the period, the response period should not exceed an additional 30 days.
* In the event of a complaint, the applicant must submit the complaint within 10 business days of receiving the Council's decision.
What are the main requirements for requests to access or obtain public information?
* The request must be in writing or electronic.
* The "Public Information Request Form" must be completed.
* The request must be for the purposes of accessing or obtaining public information.
* The request form must be sent directly to the Council.

To contact the Data Management Office team:

What is the Saudi Health Council?

The Saudi Health Council was established under the name “Council of Health Services” based on Article 16 of the Health System issued by Royal Decree No. (M/11) dated 23/03/1423 AH, chaired by His Excellency the Minister of Health and includes members from various health sectors. In 1435 AH, the Council of Ministers decided to change its name to the “Saudi Health Council” and assigned it additional responsibilities.

The Saudi Health Council aspires to be a guiding reference for a globally leading Saudi health system by establishing regulations to evaluate and implement health plans and policies that ensure coordination and integration among entities to elevate the quality of health services. It aims to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services, facilitate access to them, and promote protection against health risks in line with the health sector transformation goals.

What are the strategic objectives of the Saudi Health Council?

The Council aims to enhance the quality and efficiency of health services in the Kingdom through the following strategic objectives:

Policy evaluation and support for health plans

- Develop health systems to achieve integration and comprehensiveness.

- Workforce planning with optimal resource utilization.

Enhance effective planning and governance of health systems and services

- Promote health by combating chronic diseases and their complications.

- Enhance the economic and social impact of health systems and decisions.

- Promote innovation in healthcare and support services.

Enable digital transformation

- Enable digital health services and strengthen infrastructure.

- Ensure health information security.

Excellence in coordination and integration

- Monitor the implementation of Council decisions.

- Promote institutional excellence and agility.

Develop the regulatory environment

- Empower and develop human capabilities.

- Plan and develop financial processes.

What are the responsibilities of the Saudi Health Council?

The Council has several responsibilities, including:

Preparing the national healthcare strategy.

Establishing coordination and integration policies among all entities providing healthcare services.

Evaluating and regularly reviewing health policies and plans.

Setting appropriate hospital operation regulations, ensuring management based on economic principles and quality performance standards.

Studying and evaluating the level of health services, determining sector needs, and making recommendations on service distribution across regions.

Coordinating between government health entities regarding hospitals and specialized health projects.

Reviewing and suggesting updates to health service regulations.

Who are the members of the Saudi Health Council?

The Council is chaired by the Minister of Health and includes the following members:

General Directorate of Health Services, Ministry of Defense

Health Affairs, Ministry of National Guard

Medical Services, Ministry of Interior

Ministry of Health

Ministry of Education

Ministry of Finance

Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development

Ministry of Economy and Planning

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center

Saudi Food and Drug Authority

Saudi Red Crescent Authority

Saudi Commission for Health Specialties

Council of Health Insurance

Public Health Authority

Federation of Saudi Chambers

Presidency of State Security

What centers are affiliated with the Saudi Health Council?

The Council oversees ten specialized national and Saudi centers:

Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation

Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions

Saudi Patient Safety Center

National Center for Comprehensive Developmental Disorders

Center for Health Research and Studies

National Health Information Center

National Diabetes Center

National Cancer Center

National Heart Center

National Center for Evidence-Based Medicine

What national committees are associated with the Saudi Health Council?

Fourteen national committees are linked to the Council:

National Committee for Emergency Medicine Development

National Committee for High-Cost Drugs

National Committee for Home Healthcare

National Health Committee for Handling Violence and Abuse Cases

National Committee for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment

National Committee for Stem Cells

National Committee for Medical Rehabilitation

National Committee for Genetic Diseases

National Committee for Health Ethics

National Committee for Blood Banks

Committee for Monitoring Health Sector Compliance with Human Milk Substitute Regulations

Dual Practice Committee

National Committee for Dental Medicine

Health Sector Saudization Committee

These committees study health and scientific topics referred by the General Secretariat and Council, develop national health policies and standards, review relevant regulations, and propose training, awareness, and educational programs and projects for Council approval.

What are the major strategic initiatives of the Saudi Health Council?

Unified Health File (Nafis)

Sick Leaves System

National Health Accounts 2022 & 2023

Saudi Cancer Registry 2021 & 2022

Medical Coding

Digital Library of Health Systems and Regulations

Cancer Survival Rates Report (2005–2019)

Saudi Arabia's membership in the International Agency for Research on Cancer, approved by the Council of Ministers

“Nahr Sab” Portal joining DataCite as a DOI-issuing entity for research data

Electronic Statistical System for Diabetes Centers

Heart Valve Disease Policy Brief

What are the latest Health Sector Transformation Program initiatives led by the Council?

Establishing foundations for registering individuals with primary healthcare teams

Developing primary healthcare services

Empowering and supporting the National Health Information Center

What completed transformation initiatives were led by the Council in recent years?

Implementation of the Healthcare Strategy

Digital eHealth (Horizontal Initiative)

National Organ Failure Registry

National Oncology Center Initiatives

Organ Donation Activation in ICU Units of Donor Hospitals

Who are the Council’s services intended for?

The Council provides services to a wide range of stakeholders within Saudi Arabia’s health system to improve its quality and efficiency.

Can researchers or specialists collaborate with the Council?

Yes. Through the Center for Health Research and Studies, the Council promotes scientific research to support the development of the health sector and build a sustainable national research system in collaboration with relevant entities.

How can you contact the Saudi Health Council?

Website: https://www.shc.gov.sa

Email: info@shc.gov.sa

Social media accounts

Phone: +966114579300

Where is the Council’s headquarters located?

The main office is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Al-Sahafa District, Olaya Road.

Does the Council publ​ish reports or documents?

Yes. The Council regularly publishes annual reports, guidelines, and health-related studies, all of which are available on its website: https://www.shc.gov.sa​