COOPERATIVE HEALTH INSURANCE July 2011, Issue 14

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1 COOPERATIVE HEALTH INSURANCE July 2011, Issue 14 Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabiah: I am very optimistic about the future of the health sector in the Kingdom Toward universal health care... Integrated system of services Saudi Arabia medics achieve world-class milestones

2 AD Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Abdullah Bin Ibrahim Al-Sharif Secretary General of the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance CEO: Asst.Editor In Chief Mohammed S. Al Hussain Asst. Gen.Secretary of Admin & Finance of the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance Consulting Committee: Dr. Mansour Bin Nasser Al-Hawasi Deputy for Executive Affairs (MOH) Member of the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance Editor-in-Chief: Associate Editor: Editors: Dr. Mohammad Bin Yahya Al-Shehri, FACS Vice Rector for health specialities King Saud University Mr.Othman Bin Saleh Al-Hogail Assistant Deputy Minister for Development Ministry of Labor The General Secretariat of the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance PO Box Riyadh Phone: Fax: Published on behalf of: The Council of Cooperative Health Insurance Publisher: Rabih El-Amine Mustafa Shehab Amira Hamadeh Said Al-Hasanieh Yasmeen Hinnawi Jehad Abou Hashem Editor s note This edition particularly addresses health-related issues, the reality of the health system and the developments of this sector in the Kingdom. This issue of the magazine was honored to host His Excellency the Minister of Health, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeea. We conducted a lengthy dialogue with him concerning all health affairs in our beloved country and his experience in this field, the successes he has achieved, and his hopes and aspirations for a better tomorrow. To reinforce our approach in this edition, we have made the primary focus of this edition the discussion of comprehensive health care and how it is achieved through integration of the performance of all components of authorities and institutions involved in regulation and business development in this sector. We have not overlooked the importance of scientific research and innovation in the health sector: we allocated the theme of this edition to highlight the successes achieved by Saudi doctors and researchers, and their worldwide repercussions, as an affirmation of the ability of national competencies to excel and create whenever appropriate conditions become available. This issue of the magazine includes, for the first time, a statistical study in which a hundred people of both sexes have participated to assess the reality of the relationship between patients and doctors, to answer the key question in the poll: Is the visit to the doctor a habit or a need? It is a survey of particular interest to those concerned with such surveys, which serve to aid future planning in this area. As usual, we have reviewed in this issue the entire insurance industry news, and we have highlighted one of the companies operating in this sector in order to publicize its activities, following the pattern in previous editions. We approached with analysis in the Capital & Investment section of the magazine the reality of investments in the field of Takaful Insurance in integration with the reality of investments in health sectors. In this edition, we also reviewed the Jordanian experience in the field of health insurance, and the success of this experience in this Arab country. From Jordan we headed to Indonesia, which we visited on a tourist trip to this brotherly Islamic country. We walked throughout this amazing, great archipelago, and enjoyed the opportunity to learn about its treasures of charm and creativity. Finally, to break any boredom that you may feel over serious problematic issues, we have brought you some uncommon insurance news. In the Lifestyle section, we have reviewed the Jacuzzi world and its benefits. As usual, we take you on an entertaining tour in the edition break. We hope you will enjoy exploring the pages of the magazine, and hope to meet you again in the next edition. Group Editor (English) Afifa Jabeen Quraishi Senior Graphic Designer: Hussain Mohamed Al-Bakri Distribution: P.O. Box: Riyadh 11372, Phone: info@alefinternational.com Editor-in-Chief The reproduction or reprinting of any part of this magazine must have the express permission of the publisher, who reserves the right to initiate legal action against any violation.

3 News 7 Tech World 40 Health Ministry and Devoteam Sign Deal on E-Service Project A task most humane of its kind Organ preservation technologies bring back hope to hundreds of patients Interview 12 Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah: I am very optimistic about the future of the health sector in the Kingdom Finance & Investment Medical investment is a strategic choice to support the national economy Saudi Arabia leads the world in Takaful insurance contributions 36 Spotlight 16 Snippets 21 Hot Topic 22 Reports and Analysis 44 Around the World 48 Lifestyle 52 One of the insurance researchers translated certain French documents, which revealed a side of how a French citizen deals with insurance companies. Global agenda for developing Saudi Arabia s health insurance sector through the presentation of experiences and look to the future The Jacuzzi whirlpool bath, a revolutionary natural therapy that becomes a magnet at sports clubs Towards comprehensive health care Integrated system of services WEQAYA Insurance.. Excellence has a title The Saudi health system aims to ensure the provision of integrated comprehensive health care for all residents in a fair, accessible and organized manner. Jordan: health insurance covers more than 87% of citizens There are few places where healing of the body is consistent with healing of the soul. Cover Story Saudi Arabia medics achieve world-class milestones 32 A Saudi doctor, Waffa Faqih, brought hope women dreaming of a child. In 2000, Dr. Waffa carried out the first artificial impregnation of a womb in Jeddah. However, the labor came late. After birth, life was hindered, but that did not kill this achievement, which began to beat with hope and joy. It did not undermine the resolve of researchers to succeed and gain worldwide recognition, thanks to Dr. Waffa. Social Responsibility Home Medicine Program A new creative health care concept 28 Travel & Tourism Visiting Indonesia is still a dream for many-indonesia, the ideal destination for marine tourism 56 Indonesia, that charming country, is located in Southeast Asia and comprises nearly 13.5 thousand islands. It embraces a lot of environments covered with the beauty of nature, both land and sea. Survey 60 In a survey including 100 members of both sexes, 82 percent of men s visits to the doctor have increased after the application of health insurance

4 News King Abdullah Approves Addition of Full-Time Allowance for Doctors and Pharmacists Health Ministry and Devoteam Sign Deal on E-Service Project King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has approved a fulltime allowance for doctors and pharmacists to be calculated on the basis of their basic salary as per the bylaw defining health vacancies, said Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, Minister of Health. The Minister expressed thanks and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Highness the Crown Prince and Second Deputy Premier on behalf of the Council members and health workers in different government sectors for this generous gesture towards doctors and pharmacists. The minister said: This approval is the translation of the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques of the need to realize equality and justice among workers in different health sectors, in order to maintain staff stability to provide better health services to the beneficiaries of those services. The Minister added that the new health scale has already been issued to include health functions workers. Under the new scale, the salaries of the medical staff working in government and specialist hospitals under operation budget, including the National Guard, Ministries of Defense and Aviation, Interior, Health and the Foundation of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, have been equalized. In the same context, the Minister pointed to the issuance of the Royal Cable No. 2911/mb dated 15/6/1432H, which concluded the need to abide by the Council of Ministers, resolution in this regard and the obligation not to grant any additional financial benefits not included therein. For his part, the Director General of the Executive Office of the Council of Ministers of Health of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Dr. Tawfiq bin Ahmed Khoja, lauded this royal approval. He said: This approval is a translation of King Abdullah s vision to realize equality and justice among workers in all sectors of the Kingdom, in general. It was within the framework of the approach towards the application of the new scale. Dr. Khoja noted the leading role played by the Minister of Health, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah in this regard, saying: What is seen in the health services in our country, in both preventive and therapeutic areas and the huge budgets being spent on these services, is evidence of comprehensive development in the country. This boom is the product of foresight and the ability of sound strategic planning based on solid scientific grounds. The Director General of the Executive Office of the Council of Ministers of Health of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) expressed hope that all of these health gains will result in improving the health and welfare of citizens. Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, Minister of Health and Chairman of the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI), signed a SR12.95 million deal with IT consultancy Devoteam to implement a system for the exchange of electronic services, to be called the Saudi Health Integration Scheme (SHIB). The Minister of Health indicated that the Health Insurance Council aims, with this project, to keep up with developments at the insurance industry level by building technology solutions and electronic health insurance services based on quick and reliable online exchange of electronic medical insurance information between health care providers and health insurance Ministry of Labor honors CCHI General Secretariat The Ministry of Labor, represented by Deputy Labor Minister Dr. Abdul Wahed bin Khalid Al-Humayed, honored Dr. Abdullah Al-Sharif, General Secretariat of the CCHI, on the 12th of Jumada Thani 1432H, 15 May 2011, following the participation of the Secretariat in lectures given to the trainees of the workforce qualification program, organized by the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Al-Sharif received the honorary plaque as part of the opening activities of the Second Saudi Exhibition for Employment Opportunities and Qualification, entitled Saudi People with Special Needs, on the 12th of Jumada Thani 1432H, organized by the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce. The Secretariat General was recognized as a strategic partner in supporting the recruitment and training programs. companies. The Secretariat of the CCHI will be able to access real-time information to achieve organizational goals and supervise the private health insurance sector in Saudi Arabia. The SHIB system will actively contribute to improving the quality of health care and achieving the objectives and requirements of the insurance programs, as well as maintaining the Ministry s focus on achieving the objectives and requirements of control in its comprehensive concept and providing an information environment for research in the field of health insurance. The Minister said that the main scope of work of SHIB is to organize and standardize the exchange of health insurance information between health care providers, health insurance companies, and the Council. SHIB services include an integrated system of services and processes that can be summarized in the registration and verification of the insurance cards and insurance policies; the provision of a database for each member of the health insurance sector implemented in the system; and verification of customer eligibility, limits of insurance coverage (extent of maximum benefit, optics, acoustics, teeth), type of coverage, deductions, exceptions, and additions, as well as electronic delivery of claim rejection notices and service queries and payment of claims via a bank or government payment system. 6 Rajab 1432 July 2011 COOPERATIVE HEALTH INSURANCE 7

5 Insurance Companies, Health Services Providers to Use Australian Medical Coding System Insurance Companies Required to Announce Mechanism for Allocations for Doubtful Debts News The CCHI has obligated all health insurance companies and health services providers to use the Australian medical coding system ICD-10-AM and AR-DRGS, giving concerned parties a grace period of two years to comply with this standard. Dr. Abdullah Al- Sharif, Secretary General of the Council, said that the resolution will enhance the level of health services provided to the insured and improve the mechanism for exchanging health information between insurance parties. He pointed out that the International Tenth AMC encoding required by the resolution is one of the most important information exchange systems adopted by some countries for their health system. He added that the Council has sent circulars to all approved health sectors directing them to apply this coding and inviting them to participate in qualifying the workforce to refine necessary skills in this area within the time limit set by the Council. He stated that medical coding aims to classify diseases, therapeutic interventions, and diagnoses of general health conditions using internationally recognized c o d e s consisting of six digits. For his part, Dr. Yacob Al-Mozari, Secretary-General of the Health Services Council, considered the adoption of the International Tenth AMC coding as the Kingdom s standard for the exchange of medical information system between relevant authorities a good step. He pointed out that medical coding is the best way to standardize language in all health facilities. This will contribute to accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment plans for patients. He stressed that the Council will issue a resolution in the coming period requiring all CCHI Bans Inpatient Clinics Run By Insurance Companies The Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) recently issued a resolution to ban inpatient health clinics run by insurance companies. This resolution is intended to control the practice of providing health services for the insured in a proper way, through hospitals and approved specialized health centers with scientifically and practically qualified medical technical potential and professional employees. During the 83rd meeting of the Secretariat of the Council, chaired by Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, Minister of Health and CCHI Chairman, held at the Secretariat Headquarters in Riyadh, Dr. Abdullah Al-Sharif, Secretary General of the Council, reviewed the performance of the Council and the key developments in the cooperative health insurance sector, which is witnessing government health sectors to commit to using the Australian medical coding (Version X). Commenting on this development, Dr. Sami Al-Abdulkarim, Chairman of the National Health Committee of the Council of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry and a member of the CCHI, said the decision to use the Australian medical coding is intended to develop health services. It comes in parallel with the directions of the health sectors in other parts of the world. He added that the chambers of commerce will send a circular to some 7000 private service providers urging them to keep up with the developments, improve their business practices, and train employees on the program. constant growth, especially in the number of qualified health insurance companies, now numbering 26, with nearly 8.6 million insured people; there are now 2,402 approved health service providers. The last meeting of the Secretariat saw the approval of the final version of the resolution to launch electronic connectivity, which will contribute to developing the working mechanism between the relevant authorities. The Council has approved a contract with a consulting firm for project implementation and named the members of the Audit Committee for the Bylaws of the Cooperative Health Insurance Fund. The Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) sent an explanatory letter to all insurance companies operating in the Kingdom, inviting them to illustrate how they take allocations for doubtful debts as of the first quarter of this year. Most insurance companies saw a decline in profits during the first quarter of the year, countering expectations of analysts by recording slight growth rates. Most companies that announced their results attributed that fall in profits to setting aside more provisions for doubtful AICC Sets New Frameworks for Development of its Business Arabia Insurance Cooperative Co. (AICC) began setting new frameworks for developing the cooperative health insurance business within the company to meet the needs of the community. Saad Khabbaz, General Manager of AICC, said, Taking these effective steps is intended for the consolidation of our relations with an expanding customer base to continue to provide our services Appellate Committee to Consider the Grievances and Complaints of Insurance Disputes The insurance sector in the Kingdom expects the formation of an appellate jurisdiction committee to consider complaints made by stakeholders on the decisions of disputes by insurance violation settlement committees to replace the Grievances Bureau, which has occupied this role previously. The formation of the Appellate Committee was based on a Royal Decree issued in response to demands made by a number of officials and those interested in the insurance industry in the Kingdom. The Committee will consist of legal advisers specialized in the jurisprudence debts in accordance with the decision of SAMA, which took effect this year on all insurance companies operating in the Saudi market. and programs across different branches and offices, as well as our authorized agents in various cities of the Kingdom. He added, We are proud to expand the scope of our cooperative health of transactions and insurance to consider the complaints made by stakeholders regarding the decisions of the Committees formed under Article 20 of the Cooperative Insurance Companies Control Act. Its decisions will be final and will not be subject to grievance. The Royal Decree In the same context, Basim Kamil Odah, Executive Director of Arabian Shield Cooperative Insurance Company, explained that the allowances for doubtful debts have existed in Article No 96 of the Bylaws of the insurance companies control system, since He said, The reason behind this explanation, as it seems, is that some companies were not reticent in taking the allocations for doubtful debts, which is noted by SAMA. The insurance companies have no option but to comply with these allocations. insurance programs. We are working on expanding coverage to ensure meeting our customers needs and requirements in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance. The company is keen to provide a full range of insurance products and services in accordance with the terms and conditions of insurance systems in the Kingdom. also called for necessary steps to be taken to amend the Cooperative Insurance Companies Control system in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Attorney-at-law Raed Mohammed Al- Humayed, who specializes in insurance issues for Al-Eqtisadia newspaper, said that the Appellate Committee will be successful. Its rules will be judicial precedents that can serve as references in the area of insurance law in the Kingdom, especially in the absence of a comprehensive insurance system that covers all aspects of substantive control issues relating to insurance disputes. 8 Rajab 1432 July 2011 COOPERATIVE HEALTH INSURANCE 9

6 MEDGULF Announces Outcome of its Ordinary General Assembly The Mediterranean and Gulf Insurance and Reinsurance Co. (MEDGULF) announced that the fourth Ordinary General Assembly meeting was held on May 8, 2011, at the Khozama Hotel in Riyadh. The meeting reviewed and approved the report of the Board of Directors of the company for the fiscal year ending on December 31, The meeting also approved the annual corporate financial statements, including the balance sheet and profit and loss account for the fiscal year, the auditors report for the same fiscal year, and the board recommendation to distribute SR100m in cash dividends at SR1.25 per share for the fiscal year Eligibility for dividends shall be limited to shareholders registered with the Securities Depository Center (SDC) at the end of trading on the day of the General Assembly meeting. The company has approved a Riyad Bank proposal to deposit shareholders profits within one month from the date of the General Assembly meeting in their current accounts directly linked to the portfolios where the company s shares are deposited in any of the local Saudi banks. The company has approved the proposal of the Board of Directors based on the recommendation of the audit committee to choose Al-Juraid and Company, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Ernst & Young as corporate accounts auditors for the fiscal year Application of International Insurance for 120,000 Students on Scholarship Soon Dr. Khalid Al-Angari, Minister of Higher Education, revealed that the Ministry has reached a clear health insurance formula that serves Saudi scholarship students, to include about 120,000 students. In his statement to Alriyadh newspaper, Dr. Al-Angari said, Last year and this year, health insurance was applied to students studying in America. It is valuable for the Ministry to know the cons of the application so as to avoid them in other contracts to be concluded in various countries. Dr. Al-Angari explained that he had asked attachés to negotiate with insurance companies, according to the needs of the students. He added, Currently we await the results of the attachés negotiations with insurance companies, and it will be decided upon. Bupa Launches Social Service Program Bupa Arabia launched a new initiative under its various social responsibility programs. Under this initiative, Bupa will provide health insurance services for orphans in the Kingdom. The initiative, founded by Loay Hisham Nazer, Chairman of Bupa, includes an ambitious plan to provide services to seven thousand orphans from various parts of the Kingdom as the first beneficiaries of this health insurance program over the next five years. Tal Hisham Nazer, chief executive of the company, asserted that Bupa is committed to this program, in order to combine its efforts with the efforts of the orphanages in the Kingdom for the care of children who have lost their parents. He added, We all have our hearts filled with kindness, compassion and determination to accomplish and support this project. The implementation of phase I of the program was launched on April 17, 2011 under an agreement signed by the Chairman of Bupa with Her Royal Highness Princess Fahda bint Saud bin Abdulaziz, founder of Al-Faisaliya Society for Orphans Care, which includes a range of charities in the Kingdom, including Dar Alrviv. Bupa s new initiative goes beyond the concepts of traditional health insurance. Orphans will receive periodic visits to the doctor to monitor their health conditions. 10 Rajab 1432 July 2011

7 The Interview event Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah: I am very optimistic about the future of the health sector in the Kingdom If the medical sector is one of the closest to the people s lives, the leader of this sector must have very special qualities on all humanitarian and professional levels. This is confirmed by the biography of our guest today, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, Minister of Health, a surgeon of international repute and leader of the medical team of the Siamese twins surgical separation processes. His academic, scientific and career record is laden with qualifications, awards and leadership positions that make up an exceptional character that inspires qualities of success and motivation, especially for the rising generation of medical staff of the Kingdom. We have been able to set up this meeting with Dr. Al-Rabeeah despite busy schedule. The outcome is this dialogue. You assume the presidency of a number of organizers of health sector, such as the Cooperative the Health Insurance, the Saudi Comission for Health Specialties and the Council of Health Services. To what extent are the operations of these agencies integrated? And to what extent do they support the future vision for the health sector in the Kingdom? These parties are closely interrelated and operate harmoniously and integrally through systems governing the relationship between them and applying rational governance. The Council of Health Services membership includes the Secretary General of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties and the Secretary General of the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance. Both work according to rational governance through a set of laws, regulations and decisions aimed at achieving the goals and visions of the Council of Health Services. The regulations require these parties to cooperate with each other. The Council of Health Services regulations, for example, provide for coordination and integration among all competent authorities to provide health care services and the exchange of expertize among various health authorities, in addition to establishing an information system linking the represented parties. Recently, you spoke in Hail about the presence of development programs within the Ministry to strengthen the health sectors, What are the most prominent features of these programs? The Ministry is keen to serve the citizens. Serving citizens tops its strategic plans. The Ministry has adopted the concept of (professionalism working in the interest of patients), not vice versa, while providing advanced world-class health services to bring health care services in the Kingdom up to the quality levels found today in developed countries. 21 hospitals have successfully passed the quality standards and received the (CBAHI) certification. The Ministry also introduced many quality and safety programs in its health facilities. Health facility services self-assessment is carried out through the US JCI and other international commissions. In this regard, the Ministry developed new programs and departments which aim at improving performance and observance of quality and safety standards and conditions, restructuring, and corporate collective work and attracting talented staff. These programs are based on transparency and communication with patients and citizens to ensure health care is provided at international quality standards to achieve the aspirations of everyone to get high quality services and reduce waiting lists in hospitals. Among the most important of these programs and departments: the Family and One Day Surgery Department, Home Medicine Program, medical staff followup program, clinical check-up program, improvement of operations rooms performance, a program for monitoring medical errors, analysis and patient safety There is still much to be done in the interests of the country and citizens. The health insurance industry is in the process of evolution. program. This is in addition to establishing patient relations administration and a 24H emergency room within the Ministry. There is a national project for integrated and comprehensive health care in place; What are the most important features and plans to implement it and its phases? The Ministry of Health has a strategic plan for the next ten years. The national project for integrated and comprehensive health care is one of the most important pillars of this ten-year plan. Any observer of this strategic plan will find that it contains a group of programs and initiatives that aim to establish a corporate business system. These programs are introduced for the first time, including, for example: the formation of the Executive Council in the Ministry and the reporting of specialized committees, as well as the Executive Council for each health directorate and the reporting specialized committees. The Ministry seeks, through the national project for integrated and comprehensive health care, to divert attention from focusing on a hospital-based health system to focus on the needs of the beneficiaries of the service and its quality. This will enable the citizen to obtain a range of preventive, promotive, diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services. It is Shariacompliant and is in line with the ethics of health professions in order to achieve user, patient, family and community satisfaction and achieve integrity and fairness in distributing health services, both quantitatively and qualitatively, in the various regions of the Kingdom. Among the steps taken for implementation is the promoting and strengthening of primary health care, effective use of the Ministry s health care facilities, providing integrated health care for all citizens, quality control of health care services and attracting specialist consultants in all required specialties. The Ministry hopes that this project, when approved, will facilitate easy access to the appropriate speedy service to all citizens through the robust referral and transfer system. The implementation of this project will increase bed rates to record rates commensurate with the burden of morbidity and health status of residents in the Kingdom. Would you kindly tell the readers about the most important characteristics of the health system in force in the Kingdom? The health system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia represents the framework through which the needs of the population for health services is identified to help provide these services by properly locating and managing the necessary resources to maintain the health of citizens and provide this service to the population in a comprehensive and integrated way, at a reasonable cost and in an accessible manner. The Saudi health system translates the Saudi government policy and the wise vision of leadership. Article 27 of the Saudi Constitution decrees: The state guarantees the rights of the citizen and his family in cases of emergency, illness and disability, and in old age; it supports the system of social security and encourages institutions and individuals to contribute in acts of charity. Article 31 decrees : The state takes care of health issues and provides health care for each citizen. The Constitution also sets the overall objective with great accuracy. Article 12 Rajab 1432 July 2011 COOPERATIVE HEALTH INSURANCE 13

8 Interview 31 decrees: "The State guarantees the provision of comprehensive and integrated health care to the entire population in a fair, accessible manner and regulates these services. This is in addition to a set of objectives that the health sector works, as an integrated system, to achieve, including comprehensive coverage of all citizens and the fair distribution of health services to ensure easy access to them, provided that such coverage shall be affordable for both the State and the citizen and that health coverage shall be based on sound scientific foundations. The Constitution has identified the role and functions of the Ministry of Health. According to Article 5 of the Constitution, this role will gradually shift from provider and financier of services to the role of guarantor and observer, as well as developing plans and requirements. This Constitution has addressed the duplication of the provisioning of health services. The Health Services Council has been established to coordinate different health services. The Constitution has specified the Council s tasks and authorities. It has also addressed education, training health services for pilgrims as well as health services for residents issues. As a Chairman of the Council of Cooperative Health Insturace, how do you assess the work of the Council so far? What are your future ambitions to complete the Council s role in providing health insurance? What tasks are the Council expected to achieve? The Council of Cooperative Health Insurance is steadily progressing in accordance with plans. Results can be felt by any party who belongs to the insurance process, such as: health providers, health insurance companies and the beneficiaries of these services. This is realized through legislation, and implementation of decisions as well as issuance of circulars for the advancement of this vital sector, which is linked to the most precious human possession, health. Since the launch of the Council, health services associated with the private sector are seeing improvement day by day. They include citizens working in the private sector and members of their families, residents, service providers and insurance companies. Official figures reaffirm significant growth of the market. The Ministry aspires for more. There is much more to be done to develop health services provided to citizens and the method of funding through insurance. The Ministry of Health recognizes the need to develop the health insurance market in the next stage, by supporting the supervisory role of the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance, by reassessing the relationship between the insurance companies and providers of health services, and through the development of mechanisms to ensure strict application of the system in the interests of all parties. Everyone is aware that the health insurance industry is undergoing development. Insurance companies along with rinsurance companies, and service providers such as hospitals and accredited medical clinics, are facing great challenges of expansion and achieving good results if they deal better with the industry. To what extent did the Ministry of Health benefit from King Abdullah s Foreign Scholarship program? How many scholarships are there in the health sector? When do you expect to fill the gap? The Ministry of Health has ambitious projects for training and qualification programs, including a major expansion of scholarship programs. It has recently launched an implementation plan for the training of more than 12,000 employees in the Ministry and health directorates in various regions and governorates of the Kingdom through short courses. A comprehensive training plan was adopted for the Ministry for 1432H. Workforce development is at the forefront of the priorities of the Ministry of Health. The Kingdom s health care strategy, approved by the Council of Ministers resolution No. 320, dated H, has provided for the development of human resources to cope with the proposed changes through training and scholarships to attract specialist consultants in subspecialties. The Ministry has created programs and departments to improve the performance and observe the conditions and standards of quality and safety. At the operational level, the total number of trainees at the Ministry of Health stands at (80,838) trainees in all activities and programs carried out last year, 1431H. Also, 1000 employees of the Ministry of Health benefited from the King Abdullah Scholarship program over the past three years; 400 employees in 300,1429 employees in 1430 and 300 employees in Also, 2500 seats out of this program have been allocated to the Ministry of Health over the next five years. The Ministry of Health works to increase external and internal scholarship opportunities and open new channels of cooperation with the local and international academies to expand the base of study and training for its employees ministry. The Ministry is working to attract qualified and specialized staff according to its needs. The Ministry is currently preparing a study to determine the needs of health categories in the coming years, and another study to determine the training needs of different functional groups to help develop training plans for the coming years. Underscoring the attention of the Ministry of Health to developing the human resources, the financial allocations for the General Department of Training and Scholarship were increased by %67 of the budget of the fiscal year 1432/1431H, compared to the previous fiscal 1430/1429. As for the deficit, medical milestones have been accomplished over a short period compared to countries from which we hire manpower specialized in medical fields. With the current expansion in specialized medical colleges, and with the participation of the private sector, there will be a quantum leap in output in terms of quality and quantity, and, therefore, I expect that the Ministry will be satisified with the specialized manpower faster than expected. Medical cities have a great presence in Saudi health sector. What is their present situation? Medical cities represent one of the components of the national project for integrated and comprehensive health care. The number of these cities has been increased by adding three new medical cities, bringing the number to five cities working as hospitals of reference in the fourth level to serve all parts of the Kingdom. This is due to the reference properties of the medical care, which is considered a sophisticated and accurate service supported by accurate equipment and disciplines to ensure high efficiency of diagnosis and therapy for chronic and rare diseases. The Kingdom has achieved remarkable global success in the separation of Siamese twins, and your excellency has led with great success the medical team that carried out these operations; how was the idea generated? What distinguishes the experience of Saudi Arabia? The process of separating Siamese twins began 21 years ago, specifically in Following successful operations we established task forces and transfer of expertise and continued the teamwork, trust, and leadership to instil the principle of role models through the involvement of medical students. Because of this experience in one of the world's leading medical experiments, it was a drive to further efforts, to consolidate the position of the Kingdom in this aspect. There is no doubt that the policy of teamwork and team spirit provide the foundation for success in all work. Our people have proven they are capable of competition, especially if they find the right environment. One case which refers to the distinction of the Saudi experience in this area is the case of the Cameroonian twins. They gave a message and a call to Islam resulting in a complete village converting to Islam as a result of the good treatment, noted by the parents of the twins and their relatives, by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, who is keen that the voice of love, peace and brotherhood must be apparent in dealing with other peoples, regardless of the religion, race or color; to reflect the meanings of the Kingdom of humanity emanating from Islam and its noble teachings and dealings. The national dimensions carried by these procedures reflect the ability of the Saudi medical staff to conduct successful operations, and proves that planning and teamwork can achieve greater goals. Their excellencies, the Arab Health Ministers at their meeting in Lebanon agreed to choose your excellency, to the presidency of the Executive Council of Arab Health Ministers. What are your goals and aspirations for this Council? Our Arab health communities are equally important to the most important gatherings The Ministry of Health has ambitious projects in place for training and qualification programs, including a major expansion in scholarship programs. of health in the world, but they need further joint work to meet the requirements and keep pace with the scientific developments. So we will endeavor, through the exercise of our responsibilities in the presidency of the Executive Council of Arab Health Ministers, to develop Arab cooperation in health areas, especially the provision of basic health services, in addition to studying health problems in the Arab world and developing appropriate solutions, and developing a unified plan for cooperation in fighting against epidemic diseases, monitoring their movement, conducting medical research and exchange of experiences among Arabs. We will seek more cooperation with our Arab brothers to develop a plan of action to address the issues of medicines, clinical research and primary health care, and develop a joint program to train new doctors. How do you see the reality of health insurance of those covered by the current system in five years time? The main objective of taking the idea of cooperative health insurance in our country is to develop the health sector, augment quality and reduce waste and duplication. This is to be done in a symbiotic way derived from our religion and our approach and its goal, without exhausting the citizen. Since the establishment of the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance, and the issuance of cooperative health insurance system in the Kingdom, the Council's strategy and objectives have been clear in supporting and developing the cooperative health insurance industry market. The Ministry has invited industry professionals from within and outside the Kingdom, and recently held a global conference under the theme: (Health insurance, 2011, Options and Prospects). It included many workshops and it was agreed that the application of the health insurance business needs to complete the necessary infrastructure at all levels. What message would you like to deliver to partners in the health insurance industry? World experiences show that the development of health services is linked to the existence of systems of practice and quality, productivity, safety and development, and linking program outputs to funding, which can be achieved in several ways. The most important of these regulations is the health insurance system; therefore we call on all parties concerned with insurance to take these aspects into account, each in his respective area of responsibility, and work to apply them in a scientific manner to reap the fruits for all. 14 Rajab 1432 July 2011 COOPERATIVE HEALTH INSURANCE 15

9 Spotlight Weqaya Takaful Insurance and Reinsurance Company was established based on the Council of Ministers Resolution No. (180), dated 30/6/2008 and subject to the Royal Decree No. (M/34), dated 1/7/2008, to establish Weqaya Takaful Insurance and Reinsurance Company as a Saudi jointstock company. WEQAYA Insurance Excellence has a title health products to the employees as well as to their family members for protection against their illness and consequent medical expenses with a minimum limit of SR 250,000 per person per annum. This product falls in line with the wider benefits of the Council of Co-operative Health Insurance (CCHI) in Saudi Arabia. Weqaya provides insurance protection services for insured members as a group, and also provides insurance coverage for medical expenses against their inpatient, and outpatients with network providers, as well as reimbursement of cash claims in emergency cases. Weqaya is committed to serving clients without delay. The company is also in the process of developing wider coverage with higher limits for its clients. Motor Comprehensive Takaful This product includes several types: Motor Comprehensive Takaful: Weqaya Motor Comprehensive Policy covers motor vehicles for Commercial and Private Purposes under two sections of the policy. The first section covers accidental damage to the insured vehicle resulting from a number of causes, such as: collision of the insured vehicle with other vehicles, physical objects or people, overturning of the insured vehicle, accidental fire or selfignition and theft of whole vehicle or parts, accidental breakage of windshield and other fixed glass, and damage whilst in transit by road or elevator. The second section covers the insured s legal liability to third parties, as per Saudi law. Details are the same as those explained under Third Party Cover. This policy can be extended to cover the Personal Accident Benefits to the driver and passengers of the vehicles. Weqaya also provides Emergency Road Assistance in case of breakdown of vehicles other than accidents to our Private Comprehensive Vehicles, including their Third Party covers separately on a value addition free of cost. Takaful Compulsory Motor Third Party Liability: This policy covers the insured s legal liability to indemnify third parties for bodily injury, death or property damage arising out of accidents resulting from, or in connection with, the use of their vehicles. The limit of liability that Weqaya offers to its insured complies with the compulsory insurance policy in accordance with the Council of Ministers decision No. (596/1) and decision No. (222) regarding special compulsory insurance for motor vehicles, and in format that has been approved and accepted by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency and all departments of the General Administration of Traffic in all regions of the Kingdom. The limit in respect of Third Party bodily injury or death shall be up to SR.5,000,000 and in respect of Third Party Property damages shall be up to SR.5,000,000. The company also covers preauthorized expenses such as court charges and legal defense costs incurred in connection with any claim under the policy within the overall limits of the liability. Property Insurance This product covers many areas, including the following: Fire, Special Perils & Theft: This Policy provides cover for buildings and contents against the risks of fire, lightning, storm damage, flood, burglary and many more perils. The company has obtained the approval of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency during a record period not exceeding six months, to provide Takaful services through several Sharia-compliant products that suit the needs of the Saudi market in order to achieve the vision of the company, which aims to excel as one of the best Takaful insurance providers, to provide innovative Takaful products and services that win customer satisfaction and to work to maintain them through a professional team. Weqaya adopts a strategy that includes several axes, in the forefront of which is building the company s identity by specializing in Sharia-compliant Takaful insurance, by focusing on building one of the best teams in the insurance industry in the Kingdom and by attracting the most qualified professionals, in addition to focusing on the electronic insurance services and developing these services so that they are ready for actual implementation. The company focuses its strategy on offering an innovative range of nontraditional products and services that contribute to the horizontal expansion of the insurance market in Saudi Arabia at the level of services and products, and vertical expansion in terms of growth in the volume of business and activities. Reinsurance It is known that reinsurance is one of the key elements to protect the assets of insurance companies and maximize their ability to meet their obligations. In this framework, the company reinsures part of its business with leading international and local reinsurance companies, as well as other companies specialized in Takaful reinsurance approved by Sharia and in accordance with the standards of Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA). Health Takaful Insurance One of the core strengths of Weqaya is its Health Takaful Division, which provides 16 Rajab 1432 July 2011 COOPERATIVE HEALTH INSURANCE 17

10 Spotlight Property All Risks: This Policy provides a wider and more comprehensive cover than the Fire, Special Perils and Theft policy and is ideal for small and medium sized to large commercial and industrial enterprises. Coverage is arranged on London Market-7 policy wordings which are the widest cover available under this insurance. Weqaya also provides customer-based extensions required to widen the perils and the scope of the coverage. Consequential Loss Insurance: In the event of an insured loss, such as fire or accidental heavy damage, the business might suffer setbacks resulting in loss of profits. This means that, even in the event of properly arranged material damage insurance, the earning power, liquidity and ability of the firm to meet its commitments will be severely impaired. Weqaya provides cover for loss, of profit including the auditor s fees arising from the consequence of loss first insured and payable by the material damage policy. This policy is well suited for large manufactures and product lines and traders with large stocks. Engineering Insurance With the ongoing progress of the country in all industrial sectors as well as property development, Weqaya provides specific cover which relates to the engineering risks associated with the construction and development industry. Some of the more specific covers available are as follows: Contractors All Risks Insurance, Erection All Risks Insurance, Machinery Breakdown Insurance and Contractor Plant & Machinery Insurance. Marine Cargo Insurance International trade and imports and exports are rapidly developing in the country and, therefore, Weqaya provides insurance cover to the traders for traders imports and exports by land, sea and air for physical loss or damage to goods while they are in transit. Cover is provided from Basic Risks an All Risks basis. For the sake of meeting our customers needs, Weqaya arranges policies specifically on an annual basis or single carriages and differently for land, sea and air. Weqaya provides the following covers under Marine: Goods in Transit Insurance Policy, Inland Open Policy (All Risks), Inland Marine Open Policy (Road Risks), All Risk Marine Cargo Open Policy and Marine Cargo-Specific Policy. Accident & Liabilities: Weqaya has developed the following products for its Clients in its Accident Department: Fidelity Guarantee Insurance, Glass Insurance, Money Insurance, Travel Insurance, and Group Personal Accident Insurance. Weqaya also provides the following Liabilities Cover: Workmen s Compensation Insurance, Public Liability One of the core strengths of WEQAYA it its Health Takaful Division, which provides health products to the employees as well as to their family members. Insurance and Medical Malpractice Insurance. Takaful Protection & Savings Weqaya is keen to provide the necessary coverage for Protection and Savings with tailor-made products for its valuable clients. With this in mind, Weqaya has devised the following products: Group Risk Takaful and Credit Takaful. Weqaya Insurance... The third best Saudi work environment Weqaya Insurance Company recently received the Protection Insurance and Reinsurance Co award for best Saudi work environment for 2010 for the success in investment in human resources,and attention given to human resources and for specifying clear career paths for all positions within the company. The company was ranked third in its first participation in this award in the list of small and medium enterprises. The Best work environment award, The company supports Saudization and investment in the young national competencies, which has contributed to increasing the degree of Saudization. which is organized by Al-Eqtisadia newspaper in collaboration with Team One Consulting, in given to those who have work initiatives to provide a work environment for their employees. The award aims to motivate companies, and government and private institutions, to provide a competitive environment and improve and develop performance according to a collective and integrated system based on methodology, commitment and quality. In this regard, Dr. Miteb Al-Rougui, Weqaya CEO, explained that Weqaya winning this award is not baseless, as The company is working and considers the employees as the real investment. Taking care of them means the road to success. The company makes every effort possible to pay attention to its human resources and strengthen and develop their capacities by creating a stable work environment which stimulates their creative energies and training within and outside the Kingdom to improve their skills and careers, through programs designed for this purpose. Dr. Al-Rougui added, This renowned and prestigious award enjoys an excellent reputation and a high degree of professionalism, being a true benchmark for measuring the level of attention to human resources in companies and measuring their satisfaction, as well as the role that the company plays towards the qualification and training of its employees and securing their future career and stability to make use of their energies and increase their production ability. He noted, We are proud that we have received this award in recognition of the efforts we have made to provide an appropriate work environment for our employees in the field of Takaful insurance. Dr. Al-Rougui continued his speech by saying, The award reflects Weqaya s advanced position in providing an attractive work environment despite the challenges faced by most insurance companies in finding qualified human resources to work in this industry, locally and regionally. He pointed out that Weqaya is keen to adopt policies and professional standards of strongbacked long-standing expertise in the implementation of excellent insurance programs. The Weqaya CEO pointed out that, The company has provided all elements necessary to attract qualified human resources and to motivate and train them continuously, and has provided the right environment for innovation. Weqaya has created an internal award for the creative employee. All staff members are involved in making strategic plans and annual projects. There is a monthly town hall meeting for each department, held between the manager and the staff, in addition to the annual meeting that brings together staff and executive management to review the goals that have been achieved and propose plans for the future and assess the level of programs and services offered by the company to its customers, taking advantage of the views of all employees. This has created a unique work environment in the company. CEO Middle East Award In continuation of a series of Weqaya milestones, Dr. Al-Rougui, Weqaya CEO, received the Best CEO in the insurance sector award for The award is presented by the CEO of Middle East magazine to the Saudi business sector, among 17 other economic awards. The aim is to honor the successful and leading experiences in the Kingdom and monitoring projects and quality of business and innovative in various economic sectors. This honoring is the result of the efforts of recognizes the CEO of the company to reach leadership and the role he plays in developing this sector through his leadership of Weqaya company, and his membership in some committees specializing in developing, organizing and practicing insurance activities in the Kingdom, as well as his significant contribution to establish his company as one of the best insurance companies in the local market. Open-door policy Weqaya is characterized by its open door managerial policy, which has proved effective and successful. It has created career paths for all positions, with the opportunity to promote employees with outstanding performance; which reflects the extent of transparency and clarity of vision and mission of the company to promote a culture of customer focus and a commitment to work ethics, team spirit and seeking constant improvement and continuous development. Weqaya provides employee self-service through an electronic portal; reflecting the attention given by Weqaya in the field of human resources and development through the application of the Scorecard to follow up the implementation of the strategy and remote focus on human resources and development through internal and external measures, which are based on the infrastructure development and investment in human resources and concern for the factors of career development through training courses and programs offered to employees according to policy and training plan, taking into account their functional and personal needs. Saudization process Weqaya is working, through its strategic plans, to support the Saudization program and investment in young national competencies. This has contributed to increasing the percentage of Saudization of jobs in the company. Weqaya is leading in the field of Saudization in the insurance sector. The Saudization process is close to 63 percent. The internal work environment in the company is a healthy environment typically characterized by a flexible system. An employee can begin his duty at any time from 7:00 to 09:00 am. The company provides insurance and medical insurance protection and savings for free to the employees and their families. 18 Rajab 1432 July 2011 COOPERATIVE HEALTH INSURANCE 19