Healthcare services for Saudi Arabia’s high-risk sectors

Saudi Arabia

Christophe Souletie, general manager in Saudi Arabia for International SOS Al-Rushaid, talks to The Energy Year about providing medical services to giga-projects and the company’s deepening engagement with the oil and gas ecosystem. International SOS Al-Rushaid is a healthcare services provider specialising in clinics, remote medical support, health consulting and equipment supply.

What are some of International SOS Al-Rushaid’s achievements since 2023?
International SOS Al-Rushaid now operates a network of more than 48 MedSites across Saudi Arabia, strategically placed to provide world-class healthcare services in high-risk sectors such as energy, mining and infrastructure. They are equipped with state-of-the-art medical capabilities that span from primary and emergency care to diagnostics, pharmacy services and occupational health. A prominent example of this is our 700-square-metre central medical facility operated for a giga-project, which is coupled with 10 satellite clinics designed to ensure that the workforce receives prompt and comprehensive healthcare.
In addition to these resources, our remote and offshore sites benefit from clinical supervision or topside support, where our physician-led teams provide expert medical advice remotely. This includes case management discussions, treatment planning, and the co-ordination of patient transfers to receive definitive care. Our model, aligned with our injury and illness case management framework, sets the industry standard for remote and offshore medical services.

How much of your business is geared towards oil and gas, and do you offer any services specifically to the offshore segment?
In high-risk sectors such as energy, where operational continuity is critical, International SOS Al-Rushaid ensures that medical emergencies are managed swiftly and effectively, minimising operational disruptions. Our network of more than 48 MedSites across Saudi Arabia, including 17 onshore and three offshore installations, provides immediate access to high-quality healthcare, even in the most remote areas.
Our teams are trained to handle a variety of medical incidents, and we activate our Medical Evacuation Response Plan for rapid evacuations when necessary. The integration of local expertise, combined with access to global resources and our fleet of ALS [advanced life support] ambulances, ensures that the highest standards of care are maintained while ensuring that our clients’ operations continue smoothly without interruption.

What does it take to provide best-in-class health services in Saudi Arabia’s diverse operating environments?
International SOS Al-Rushaid plays a critical role in supporting Vision 2030 by delivering world-class healthcare services that prioritise workforce health and safety. We address the unique challenges faced by industries such as energy, mining and construction by offering comprehensive medical care in remote and high-risk environments.
For example, in a giga-project, we set up a central medical facility and satellite clinics, providing primary care, emergency services and medevac co-ordination for 28,000 workers. Additionally, at a gold mining site, our proactive health measures and quick response capabilities helped ensure worker safety.
By implementing preventive care and using advanced medical technologies, International SOS Al-Rushaid reduces health risks and enhances productivity. This approach aligns with Vision 2030’s focus on improving healthcare quality and accessibility, allowing industries to thrive while safeguarding their most valuable asset: their workforce.

What services do you offer to the mining sector?
International SOS originated in Asia, working with mining companies in remote locations in Indonesia. This expertise is part of our DNA, and it is part of the partnership with Al-Rushaid and our value proposition in Saudi Arabia. The mining sector is massive and operates on a much longer timeline compared to oil and gas. A mine can run for up to 100 years, and that requires specialised healthcare and workforce management.
We are at the beginning of Saudi Arabia’s mining boom, and our experience with mining operations, particularly in remote environments, gives us a competitive edge. Our expertise includes designing health and safety policies, not just for organisations but also for governments. As Saudi Arabia transforms its society and industry, it needs a proper policy framework for operators, and we can be key consultants. We have already designed health plans for some of Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects.

Can you comment on technological advances that you may have incorporated into your services recently?
We embrace innovation to deliver tailored medical solutions for high-risk environments. By combining global expertise with cutting-edge technology, we provide seamless healthcare services that mitigate risks and ensure operational continuity. Our advanced solutions include EMR [electronic medical records] software, which streamlines patient data management for faster, more accurate treatment, and telemedicine capabilities for remote consultations, making healthcare accessible even in the most remote locations.

Looking ahead, what are your plans for growth, and how do you see International SOS Al-Rushaid evolving until 2030?
Our growth strategy is centred on expanding in the oil and gas ecosystem in the Eastern Province. Another key focus is shifting our participation in giga-projects from the early construction phases to the operational phases and offering services to larger populations. We also see strong potential in pre-admission services for hospitals, especially in the mining sector, and we aim to expand our emergency medical transportation services to connect remote operating locations with hospitals.
As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in new technologies and infrastructure, we remain ready to provide comprehensive medical solutions. By continuously expanding and improving our services, we aim to contribute to a safer, more resilient business environment in Saudi Arabia, aligning our efforts with the goals of Vision 2030.

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