Saudi Health Minister, H.E. Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel met with his Australian counterpart Mark Butler on Monday to discuss boosting cooperation in healthcare, digital innovation, and pharmaceutical investments.
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening health ties and exploring new areas of partnership.
AlJalajel highlighted Saudi Arabia’s healthcare transformation under Vision 2030, noting the $9 billion pharmaceutical and biotech market and the Kingdom’s growing trade with Australia, which represented 14% of Saudi health imports in 2024.
He also pointed to Saudi Arabia’s global leadership in digital health, including the launch of the world’s largest virtual hospital, which has delivered over 50 million consultations.
The Minister held additional talks with Blair Comley, Chair of the WHO Executive Board, focusing on digital transformation and workforce sustainability. He stressed that Saudi Arabia’s election as Vice Chair of the WHO Executive Board (2025–2028) reflects its commitment to advancing global health systems and pandemic preparedness.
The visit also included a Saudi–Australian roundtable on sharing digital expertise and promoting sustainable healthcare