Economic and Development Affairs Council reviews economic trends, health transformation plans

The Economic and Development Affairs Council held a virtual meeting, during which it reviewed the Ministry of Economy and Planning’s monthly report on global economic developments and growth prospects amid rapidly changing geopolitical conditions.

The report highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role in strengthening the resilience of the global economy and supporting price stability by ensuring continuous energy supplies and providing alternative export routes, which helped mitigate the impact of geopolitical shifts on global markets.

The report also noted the effect of these developments on the Saudi economy, with indicators showing the Kingdom’s ability to maintain price stability despite global economic pressures, thanks to effective economic and structural policies. The Purchasing Managers’ Index reached its highest level since February 2026 at 55.3 points, reflecting growing business confidence and the adaptability of the Saudi economy.

The council discussed a Ministry of Health presentation on progress in the health transformation plan, including the transfer of ten health clusters to the Health Holding Company and steps to complete the transfer of remaining clusters by early 2027. The plan aims to separate the provision of health services from their regulation and financing, with the ministry continuing to regulate the sector and services delivered through the Health Holding Company under the Saudi healthcare model.

The council reviewed a report from the Project Management Office at the council secretariat on government agencies’ completion of tasks and assignments during the third quarter of 2026, which indicated an increase in the number of entities achieving over 98% in performance indicators and a decrease in delayed tasks.

The meeting also covered reports on the progress of directives to develop the startup and venture capital sectors, activities of the National Anti-Concealment Program, and periodic summaries on consumer and wholesale prices, GDP, and foreign trade. The council made the necessary decisions and recommendations regarding these topics.