Over 4,000 Initiatives Improve Expenditure Efficiency Across Government Entities From 2019 To 2024

Government entities in Saudi Arabia have significantly improved expenditure planning efficiency through over 4,000 initiatives from 2019 to 2024. These initiatives, developed by expenditure efficiency teams in collaboration with government partners, cover sectors like education, health, finance, industry, sports, and human resources. This collaborative effort has led to national success stories that directly benefit citizens.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made strides in enhancing service quality for visitors to the Kingdom. By developing 40 expenditure efficiency indicators and documenting 27 initiatives on EXPRO’s platform, they estimate a financial impact of SAR1.7 billion. Their digital transformation initiative for Hajj and Umrah visas was successful, leading to the launch of an electronic system for issuing visit, residence, and work visas in 2024.

In response to Saudi Arabia's rapid digital transformation, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has focused on improving government service efficiency and security. Previously reliant on costly traditional data centers with limited flexibility, over 180 entities have transitioned to the National Information Center's "Deem Cloud." This shift has enhanced operational efficiency and reduced costs, generating a financial impact exceeding SAR5 billion.

The Madinah Region has also seen improvements through its municipality and development authority's collaboration with EXPRO. Initiatives aimed at enhancing expenditure quality have resulted in a 66% resident satisfaction rate with quality of life. Project stalling was reduced to less than 1%, while innovative contracting models increased facility compliance rates to 94% in 2024.

The Public Health Authority (Weqaya) and the Ministry of Health have collaborated on the National Newborn Early Screening Program to reduce disability rates. Studies show a high rate of genetic diseases in newborns in Saudi Arabia compared to global averages. The program aims for early detection of disabilities and health issues for prompt treatment.

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre documented 70 initiatives focused on spending efficiency, achieving a financial impact of SAR13 billion. The hospital also excelled in organ transplantation across various specialties. A Capacity Command Center was established to manage over 350,000 cases using real-time monitoring and demand forecasting, reducing patient wait times by 33%.

Regional Development Efforts

The Eastern Region's development authority implemented an integrated work model for project budget preparation based on regional needs. This approach prioritizes projects according to development plans and integrates similar-scope projects for sustainable financial impacts totaling SAR7.6 billion.

EXPRO launched the fourth edition of the "Evolution of Tradition" campaign to highlight expenditure efficiency teams' role within government entities. It prepared six manuals covering team formation and methodology for identifying improvement opportunities. Specialized workshops were organized for team leaders alongside training courses offered through EXPRO’s academy.

King Saud University Medical City initiated the "Share Event" program showcasing projects that enhance operational efficiency since its launch in 2020. Over 400 projects have been presented with an estimated financial impact of SAR500 million. Notably, the "Automated Accreditation of Laboratory Results" initiative reduced laboratory result upload times by up to 35%.

The partnership between EXPRO, the Ministry of Health, and Weqaya expanded newborn screening coverage leading to better healthcare access for children. This collaboration improved health monitoring and evaluation while reducing disability rates and treatment costs by 56%, saving approximately SAR2 billion.

EXPRO aims to achieve expenditure efficiency across government entities by enhancing procurement processes and improving project quality. It focuses on developing policies and systems while building national cadres through training programs that foster a culture of expenditure efficiency.

With inputs from SPA