Navigating Physician Workforce Dynamics in Saudi Arabia: A Study of Regional Distribution

Navigating Physician Workforce Dynamics in Saudi Arabia: A Study of Regional Distribution | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 13 February 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Navigating Physician Workforce Dynamics in Saudi Arabia: A Study of Regional Distribution Authors : Waleed Kattan M 0000-0003-3710-5730 [email protected] and Atheer Alshahrani A Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.173943947.70505225/v1 169 views 84 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Background Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims for comprehensive healthcare coverage and workforce nationalization. However, physician distribution and composition disparities threaten these goals, affecting access and quality of healthcare services. Objectives This study examines physician-to-population ratios and workforce composition across 20 Saudi Arabian health regions, focusing on potential disparities. Methods A secondary analysis utilized the Ministry of Health’s 2022 Statistical Yearbook. Physician distribution and composition were explored using descriptive statistics, the Gini Coefficient, and a Lorenz curve. Results Findings reveal significant imbalances. While Riyadh, the capital region, hosts the largest physician count, its large population yields a lower physician-to-population ratio, reflecting significant service provision challenges. Al-Jouf and Northern regions exhibit higher ratios, indicating better balance. Non-Saudi physicians remain prominent, especially in Bishah and Najran, suggesting a need for stronger Saudization policies. Conclusion These findings underscore notable disparities in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare workforce distribution that can hinder Vision 2030 goals. Therefore, strategic interventions, including Saudization, educational reforms, regional healthcare clusters, and workforce development programs, are critical to aligning service demand with a sustainable supply of qualified professionals across all regions. Supplementary Material File (manuscript the international journal of health planning and management.docx) Download 723.92 KB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 13 February 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keywords equity healthcare disparities healthcare distribution physician workforce saudi arabia Authors Affiliations Waleed Kattan M 0000-0003-3710-5730 [email protected] King Abdulaziz University The Applied College View all articles by this author Atheer Alshahrani A King Abdulaziz University The Applied College View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 169 views 84 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Waleed Kattan M, Atheer Alshahrani A. Navigating Physician Workforce Dynamics in Saudi Arabia: A Study of Regional Distribution. Authorea . 13 February 2025. 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