Integrating Telemedicine, Health Informatics, and Smart City with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Advancing Sdgs 3 and 11
Keywords:
Health Informatics, SDGs (3 and 11), Smart City, Technology, TelemedicineAbstract
Technological advancements within the healthcare system and environmental safety have emerged as pivotal components of developmental endeavours in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, necessitating thorough investigations in this domain. This research scrutinizes pivotal facets concerning the accessibility of healthcare services in Saudi Arabia, the utilization of technology, and challenges associated with urbanization. Its overarching objective is to align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3 and 11, by incorporating technological frameworks like telemedicine, health informatics, and smart city systems into the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 agenda. The study encompasses 693 participants, comprising health authorities, technologists, educators, environmental and social practitioners, alongside ordinary citizens. Data acquisition transpired through a survey questionnaire, with subsequent analysis employing pertinent statistical methodologies. Descriptive statistics, including mean values, percentile metrics of Likert scales, and standard deviations, were computed and presented within tabular formats. The study discerns deficiencies in health-related behaviours (SDG 3) and urbanization-induced challenges impinging upon health and well-being (SDG 11). It delineates pathways to address these concerns, advocating for bolstered telemedicine initiatives, dissemination of health-related information, and the actualization of smart city initiatives. The findings illuminate nuances pertaining to healthcare differentials, elucidating issues regarding healthcare accessibility, with digital interventions—particularly telemedicine services and smart city endeavours—emerging as instrumental mechanisms to enhance healthcare delivery while navigating urban challenges. Notably, the results underscore a positive inclination among participants toward leveraging technology to ameliorate healthcare accessibility issues. The study furnishes actionable insights conducive to the integration of technological solutions within the Vision 2030 framework, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the United Nations.