Recently, I had the opportunity to work on a project in the GCC region with a focus on Saudi Arabia. The client was looking to launch a digital health startup to capitalize on Saudi Arabia’s transforming healthcare system, and we needed to assess the feasibility of the digital health venture, explore different business models, and build a solid business case that could be presented to potential investors.
The Challenge
Saudi Arabia is rebuilding their healthcare system from the ground up, driven by its national Vision 2030 initiative. The national plan calls for a complete overhaul, moving from traditional delivery models to a value-based approach to healthcare. In essence, they are focusing on improving healthcare outcomes while optimizing the cost structure. Central to this shift is the adoption of various digital health solutions, which will play a key role in driving efficiency. This was both an exciting and unique challenge. The project had strong government support, as the state and national providers were eager to embrace new technologies. But at the same time, the challenge was to build for a system that was rapidly changing.
We had to consider what types of digital health solutions could have the most immediate and lasting impact. For example, there was a focus on remote care models, telehealth platforms and workflow optimization services, as well as direct-to-consumer solutions. The challenge was to find the right entry point while de-risking the strategy.
Market Research
Our first step was to take a deep dive into various digital health business models that have already proven successful in more established markets such as North America and Europe. In these markets, significant digital health players have emerged. On the other hand, the local healthcare system is quite different from that of Western countries, especially the US. Three models stood out during our research: B2B healthcare staffing, private emergency and home-care services, and care workflow automation.
One of the first models we explored was B2B healthcare staffing, inspired by companies like Clipboard Health. In markets like the US, these platforms connect healthcare facilities with on-demand staffing solutions, helping hospitals, clinics, and care centers quickly find qualified healthcare professionals to fill critical gaps. Given the growing demand for healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia, especially with the rapid expansion of the healthcare system under Vision 2030, this model had strong potential. We saw an opportunity to localize this model by partnering with regional healthcare providers and adapting the platform to accommodate specific staffing needs in the GCC, such as bilingual professionals and specialized medical expertise. By addressing these local nuances, the B2B healthcare staffing model could help alleviate some of the workforce shortages and improve the flexibility of healthcare delivery in the region.
Next, we explored the private emergency and home-care services model, inspired by platforms like DispatchHealth. DispatchHealth offers on-demand, in-home urgent medical care, allowing patients to receive treatment in the comfort of their homes rather than going to overcrowded emergency rooms. In Saudi Arabia, healthcare infrastructure is growing but there are still challenges with accessibility in remote areas, furthermore the “comfort-element” of the business model works particularly well in Saudi Arabia and broader GCC region. We looked into how this service could be tailored to the Saudi market by focusing on home-care services for chronic disease management, post-hospitalization care, and non-critical emergency services.
Lastly, we explored care workflow automation, a model that has gained traction in the US through companies like Memora Health. Memora Health automates patient communication, care coordination, and follow-ups using AI and digital tools, which can significantly improve efficiency and reduce administrative burdens for healthcare providers. In Saudi Arabia, where healthcare facilities are working to optimize operations and improve patient outcomes, this model could be highly impactful. By implementing care workflow automation, healthcare providers could streamline processes such as patient reminders, medication adherence, and chronic disease management follow-ups.
Building the Business Case & Developing Strategy
After evaluating various business models, we decided to move forward with the private emergency and home-care services model, inspired by DispatchHealth. This model made the most sense for the Saudi market, especially considering the country’s healthcare goals under Vision 2030 and the growing demand for more accessible and patient-centric care options. The “comfort-aspect” of this model, which allows patients to receive high-quality medical care in their own homes, was particularly appealing. In GCC, where cultural preferences often lean toward privacy and comfort, this model aligns well with local needs.
Building the business case for this model involved several components. First, we conducted a financial analysis to assess the viability of launching such a service in Saudi Arabia. This included estimating the initial investment required, projected operational costs, and potential revenue streams. We developed detailed financial models that included various growth scenarios—ranging from small-scale pilot launches in key cities like Riyadh and Jeddah to a larger nationwide rollout.
A major advantage of the private emergency and home-care services model was its ability to fill an immediate gap in the healthcare system. Many patients in Saudi Arabia, particularly those in urban areas, face long wait times in emergency rooms for non-critical conditions. Our model provided an alternative, offering patients access to urgent care at home, which not only improved convenience but also relieved pressure on local hospitals. This service could cater to a wide range of patient needs, from managing chronic conditions to treating minor injuries or illnesses.
Another key selling point for investors was the “comfort aspect” of this model, which we emphasized throughout the business case. In Saudi culture, family and privacy play a central role, and the ability to receive medical care in a familiar, private setting is highly valued. This cultural alignment added a layer of appeal that would set our solution apart from more traditional healthcare options. We highlighted how this model could cater to patients who prefer home care, such as elderly individuals or those with limited mobility. This was a key differentiator and added value to the overall patient experience, making the business case even stronger.
We also built a compelling pitch deck for investors, focusing on the unique market opportunity and the solution’s fit with both the local culture and broader healthcare trends in Saudi Arabia. The pitch deck showcased not only the financials but also the potential for strategic partnerships with local healthcare providers.
Impact
As a result of the work we put into the market research, financial modeling, and strategic planning, the client successfully raised over $1 million in seed funding. This investment provided the financial foundation to begin rolling out the private emergency and home-care services model.
Currently, the client is in the process of launching the service in Riyadh, targeting a population that has a growing demand for accessible, in-home healthcare. Early projections indicate strong market adoption, with plans to expand to other major cities like Jeddah and Dammam in the near future. As it grows, the model has the potential to become an integral part of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare transformation under Vision 2030.
