With the Right Policies in Place, Health Care Innovation Can Push Saudi Arabia Toward its Vision 2030
It’s proven that innovation in health care yields substantial benefits for patients with life-threatening illnesses, as well as the economies they support. As Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy beyond petroleum and into knowledge-intensive, high-value technological innovation, government officials have chosen to embrace health care advancement and make it a center pillar of its Vision.
Meshal Al-Harasani and Dr. Mohammed Alshehri are among the generation of young Saudi innovators and entrepreneurs who are contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Both inventors are highly accomplished and have developed transformative medical device technology.
Al-Harasani has produced over 50 inventions and holds over 20 patents, most recently developing a serrated needle that can be used for surgery on cartilage. His work reduces the need for invasive surgery when addressing congenital defects of the ear and nose, a first-of-its-kind advancement. Al-Harasani said his invention “is a Saudi message to the world that we are beginning to achieve the Vision 2030.”
Dr. Alsheri is a specialist in restorative and implant dentistry at King Khalid University Hospital. Throughout his career, Alsheri observed several infections after root canal surgeries and developed the Endodontic Apical Plug as a solution. The tool, made of biocompatible material, is a filling for root canal cavities that is inserted into the opening to seal it and prevent bacteria from entering the gap. Alsheri’s work won a Gold Medal at the 8th International Invention Fair and has been awarded patents in several jurisdictions.
Saudi Arabia needs what Al-Harasani, Dr. Alsheri and other health care innovators at home and abroad have to offer – creative solutions that treat disease and help diversify the country’s economy. A strong and effective intellectual property environment is integral to protecting entrepreneurial work that holds promise for solving both health and economic challenges in the Kingdom.
