THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON DIGITAL HEALTH AND CARE IN SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact various sectors around the world, including digital health and care systems. Saudi Arabia, like many other countries, has faced significant challenges in ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of its healthcare services while minimizing the risk of virus transmission. This essay explores the impact of COVID-19 on digital health and care in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the changes in healthcare delivery and utilization, the adoption of digital technologies, and the challenges and opportunities that have emerged. The findings show that COVID-19 has accelerated the adoption and integration of digital health technologies in Saudi Arabia, leading to improvements in care delivery, increased patient engagement, and enhanced healthcare access. However, challenges such as the digital divide, data privacy concerns, and the need for cybersecurity measures must be addressed to fully harness the potential of digital health and care in the country.