NEOM is a region located in the northwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The name NEOM means “new future.” With thousands of staff members already living and working onsite, it has become a home for individuals who dream big and aspire to contribute to building a new economic model for the country and the world.
The name NEOM is derived from two words. Envisioned by His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Chairman of the NEOM Company Board of Directors, the first three letters originate from the Ancient Greek prefix “neo,” meaning “new.” The “M” is taken from “Mustaqbal,” an Arabic word meaning “future.”
What does healthcare at NEOM look like? What innovative approaches have been integrated into NEOM’s health and well-being plan? How is technology embraced in NEOM’s planning? To answer these questions, MedEdge MEA had a conversation with Dr. Mahmoud Alyamani, Health and Wellbeing Sector Head at NEOM.
MedEdge MEA: What innovative approaches will NEOM use to deliver high-quality healthcare?
Dr. Mahmoud Alyamani: NEOM will provide the highest quality of well-being and healthcare to its residents who opt in. Residents will have a digital twin, a living and growing avatar based on their genome sequencing data from omics, wearables, environmental sensors, behaviors, nutrition, excretions, and ongoing healthcare encounters. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) will predict potential diseases based on an individual’s profile and other specific variables. The digital twin will enable longitudinal healthcare studies to provide greater insight into long-term health and conduct outcome-based trials, and computer-based simulations of how a drug or disease impacts physiological and clinical outcomes.
ME: NEOM talks about using cool tech for healthcare. Can you tell me more about what tech they’ll use to personalize care for everyone?
Dr. Mahmoud Alyamani: Although the Personalized Predictive Proactive Preventative (4P) approach will reduce the need for ongoing health interventions, it will not eliminate diseases. In such cases, NEOM has designed a robust quaternary care healthcare system with the latest personalized pharmacological, biotechnological, and surgical interventions. These are enhanced with image-guided navigation using virtual and augmented reality and simulation to ensure the best outcomes and eliminate adverse effects.
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ME: How is NEOM using AI and data to improve healthcare?
Dr. Mahmoud Alyamani: Sensors from the environment will also enable early detection of any potential pandemic, locating and identifying infections, and tracing them back to the source. Through such technology, infection control measures can be implemented without the need for mass curfews and lockdowns.
ME: How will NEOM ensure everyone can access this advanced healthcare, regardless of background?
Alyamani: NEOM’s healthcare strategy is based on equal and equitable healthcare for all residents, delivered in a coordinated and convenient manner through various channels and locations. The 4P healthcare approach will significantly reduce the need for ongoing medical interventions, enabling NEOM to provide high-quality personalized care to all residents.
ME: NEOM wants to keep learning and training new doctors. What is the plan for research and education?
Alyamani: Every healthcare provider at NEOM is trained in preventative and cutting-edge technologies, as well as the role of data delivery in providing a unique patient experience. The unique training, which combines medicine with data science, has the potential to facilitate a wide spectrum of research opportunities based on the wealth of structured and unstructured data from NEOM residents. The data architecture is designed to allow for data collection without compromising confidentiality or security. Training is an integral part of licensing and license maintenance at NEOM. Continuous research and academic participation by NEOM’s healthcare providers enhances knowledge transfer across the system, fostering sector growth.
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ME: In what ways is NEOM integrating sustainable practices into its healthcare infrastructure to ensure long-term environmental and economic viability?
Alyamani: The use of digital technology and digital twins in the 4P approach will greatly improve resource utilization. As part of a commercial ecosystem, this system will also reduce waste and enhance sustainability.
Designing healthcare facilities using a modular system enables maximum utilization of physical infrastructure. This approach not only reduces the footprint of physical assets by emphasizing prevention but also allows for rapid capacity expansion when needed, such as during a pandemic or crisis.
Every healthcare provider at NEOM is trained in preventative and cutting-edge technologies, as well as the role of data delivery in providing a unique patient experience.
Dr. Mahmoud Alyamani
Residents will also have a role to play. Engaging and empowering consumers in maintaining and managing their health and well-being will reduce stress on the healthcare system, minimize waste, and ultimately lead to greater efficiency.
NEOM is putting in place a Longevity-Enabling Environment that emphasizes an active lifestyle, the development of green spaces, and ensures access to healthy food. From an economic standpoint, a healthy environment will enable people to work better and longer, contributing to GDP at a much higher value. This approach will reduce the need for hospital-based care, expensive medications, and costly interventions. The inevitable reduction in sick days will also increase productivity and drive economic growth.
NEOM is developing a personalized and preventive-oriented healthcare system. AI will forecast possible ailments, and residents will have access to digital twins for health information. Virtual reality and other cutting-edge technology will be utilized in surgery. NEOM seeks to provide fair care in a sustainable setting with the aid of data analysis and modular facilities.
