Aster Sanad Hospital to expand specialised care

Its CEO plans to boost centers of excellence in cardiology, orthopaedics, and neurology.

Aster Sanad Hospital’s new CEO plans to improve patient flow, cut facility waste, and expand specialised services in line with Saudi Arabia’s push for high-quality and efficient healthcare.

“I will expand Aster Sanad’s centers of excellence, particularly in high-demand specialities like cardiology, orthopaedics, and neurology,” Turki Albacker, CEO at the Riyadh-based hospital, told Healthcare Asia. “Some developments include minimally invasive surgeries and advanced diagnostic technologies.”

“We will enhance telemedicine to improve access to care in remote areas of Saudi Arabia,” he said in an emailed reply to questions.

He also plans to further integrate their IT infrastructure for smoother information flow across departments to improve clinical decision-making, reduce errors, and enhance patient experience.

“By addressing inefficiencies, we can ensure resources are used to their maximum potential,” he added.

Launched in 2021 as part of the national reform plan Saudi Vision 2030, the Healthcare Sector Transformation Program aims to improve services, expand digital health solutions, and ensure financial sustainability.

But rising cases of chronic diseases in the kingdom could strain hospital resources, Albacker said. “This challenge also presents an opportunity to innovate in terms of service delivery.”

Albacker, who holds a Master of Business Administration in Health Management from the University of Colorado, said he would make hospital billing more accurate and efficient so that payments from insurance companies are received on time and fewer claims are rejected.

“I plan to introduce cost-effective measures that maintain high-quality care standards,” Albacker said. “This will allow us to reinvest in the hospital’s growth and continue expanding our service offerings.”

Albacker will also boost partnerships with insurers and government health programmes, whilst focusing on staff training and development.

The CEO said he would strengthen Aster Sanad’s brand positioning amidst strong competition from both local and international players.

“Under my leadership, the hospital will continue to build on its reputation for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care,” he added.