The Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, founded in 1982, is an internationally respected healthcare government sector multispecialty accountable healthcare system and one of the largest and most important healthcare organizations in the Kingdom a cornerstone in the ongoing development of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system.
MNGHA has a network of advanced healthcare facilities providing outstanding care to a total population of around 2 million which includes Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG) employees, their dependents, and other eligible patients.
In addition to providing comprehensive clinical care, from primary care to tertiary care specialties and sub-specialties with the aid of advanced technology, the Ministry is also a leader in medical education and research. In recent years, there has been significant development and expansion of its facilities across the country, with more specialist hospitals and healthcare centers being developed to meet the increased demand for healthcare, a standard of excellence also reflected among the top hospitals in Dubai, while maintaining the focus on delivering safe, effective, integrated care to the highest international standards.
Working as a doctor at MNGHA
For doctors considering a move to Saudi Arabia, MNGHA is one of the most established employers in the country. As a government-funded health system, it offers the kind of employment stability that large public institutions provide, along with clear pathways for career advancement across its network of medical cities.
MNGHA actively recruits experienced international doctors, including those trained in the UK, Europe, North America, and Australia, to meet rising demand across its hospitals. Doctors join a high-volume clinical environment with exposure to a wide range of cases, supported by modern facilities and integrated electronic medical records across all sites. For a full breakdown of salaries, allowances, and relocation support, see our guide to the benefits of working at MNGHA.
An internationally recognised health system
Founded in 1982, MNGHA has grown into one of the largest healthcare systems in Saudi Arabia, spanning medical cities in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Al-Ahsa, Medina, Taif, and Qassim. Its standards are recognised internationally: MNGHA has featured on the list of the World’s Best Smart Hospitals, and was among the first health systems in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region to reach Stage 7 on the HIMSS Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model, the highest level of digital healthcare maturity.
MNGHA Facilities throughout the Kingdom
There are currently 5 medical cities belonging to the Ministry in different regions of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Hassa, Dammam, and Madinah, the largest located in Riyadh and Jeddah. The healthcare system currently has a total bed capacity of 4,419 with 11 multispecialty teaching hospitals, 6 dialysis centers, as well as numerous primary health and urgent care centers spread throughout the country. All facilities are linked to a centralized, paperless, electronic medical record (EMR) system enabling smooth, integrated, and coordinated care to enhance patient outcomes.
In 2024, there were a total of 51,287 inpatient admissions in its hospitals, 59,029 surgeries performed, over 2.61 million outpatient appointments, and over 2.15 million visits to primary healthcare facilities.
Riyadh
King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh
The 1051-bed capacity King Abdulaziz Medical City complex, in the east of the city of Riyadh, is one of the largest and most comprehensive healthcare medical cities in the country. The complex includes the former King Fahad National Guard Hospital and many newer medical units and centers of excellence including the King Abdulaziz Cardiac Center, Organ Transplant Center, and Liver Center as well as other departments and specialized services, all fully equipped with highly sophisticated technology.
King Abdulaziz Medical City is renowned for its pioneering treatments. It contributes significantly to the national healthcare system by offering advanced tertiary care to non-national Guard patients through its medical eligibility system. The King Abdulaziz Cardiac Center made history by performing the first Berlin LVAD mechanical heart implantation. This was the first implant procedure of its kind in the region.
The King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH) and Women’s Health Hospital (WHH) are located on the same site: Healthcare services from Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib play a crucial role in supporting these institutions. Patients can expect high-quality treatment and specialized care tailored to their needs.
King Abdullah Specialized Children Hospital (KASCH), Riyadh
King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH), the first specialized Children’s Hospital in the Kingdom, is the third largest facility of the Ministry with a bed capacity of 678. The hospital’s design prioritizes patients, placing children at the heart of the facility. KASCH provides all Pediatric specialist care including Oncology, Stem Cell Transplant, and Organ Transplant Programs for Liver and Kidney. KASCH offers a range of treatment modalities, including acute care services, research, mental health services, and rehabilitation. The hospital works collaboratively with other international agencies such as Jenner Institute Oxford and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City plays a key role in the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme. They have successfully separated many conjoined twins through this program.
Women’s Health Specialist Hospital (WHH)
The Women’s Health Specialist Hospital (WHH) is the newest facility in Riyadh with a bed capacity of 279. The Women’s Health Specialist Hospital offers a wide range of medical services such as obstetrics, cesarean sections, and gynecological surgeries in addition to intermediate and intensive care units for newborns. It also includes various clinics, such as fertility clinics, maternal and fetal health, breast health, obstetrics, and gynecology. The hospital follows international standards for sustainable design, ensuring it takes into account both energy efficiency and environmental considerations.
Jeddah
King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah
King Abdulaziz Medical City in Jeddah consists of several hospitals and specialized medical centers, with a 906-bed capacity. It provides tertiary-level multispeciality medical care to citizens in the Western Region. This large complex includes the National Guard Hospital, King Faisal Cardiac Center, and King Abdullah Center for Neurosurgery. King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences shares its site with King Abdullah International Medical Research Center.
The King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH) is also located on the same site:
King Abdullah Specialized Children Hospital (KASCH), Jeddah
King Abdullah Specialized Children Hospital Jeddah boasts a advanced 350-bed facility. It provides advanced tertiary pediatric care using pioneering, advanced technology. Opened in 2017, KASCH provides a wide range of healthcare services tailored to the unique needs of pediatric patients, including pediatric surgery, neonatology, pediatric intensive care, pediatric cardiology, and various other pediatric subspecialties.
Taif
King Salman Specialized Hospital
King Salman Specialized Hospital in Taif is a 300-bed facility that closely integrates advanced technology with compassionate patient care. The hospital includes inpatient wards, outpatient clinics, emergency departments, medical imaging, ICU, hemodialysis center, obstetrics and prenatal medicine, lab services, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
Al Medinah
Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital
Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital (PMBAH) is a 363-bed multispecialty facility in the Holy City of Al Medinah. It includes an emergency department, adult, pediatric, and neonatal ICUs, endoscopy and hemodialysis units, obstetrics department, medical imaging, surgical department, and rehabilitation services.
Al Qassim
King Abdullah Specialized Hospital
The 300-bed King Abdullah Specialized Hospital is a part of a new, advanced medical city in Al Qassim, expected to open during the first quarter of 2025. The medical complex features a 12-floor main hospital, an emergency helipad, and outpatient clinics.
Eastern Region:
Dammam
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal Hospital is a 175-bed in Dammam that provides adult and pediatric care in a wide range of medical and surgical specialties.
Al Ahsa
King Abdulaziz Hospital is a 317-bed facility in Al Ahsa. The hospital caters to emergencies, in- and out-patients, and has an obstetric unit and ICU. There is also a College of Nursing and Military Field Medicine unit on site.
Advanced infrastructure and IT systems
The Ministry is a world leader in health information technology and its application in healthcare. Innovative integrated care models with real-time monitoring enable smooth, comprehensive, and coordinated care to enhance patient safety and outcomes. It was chosen as a center of excellence to adopt and develop artificial intelligence applications for stroke and cardiovascular diseases, in cooperation with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). Its Virtual Care Program is increasing access to outpatient care as well as enabling physicians to consult with expert specialists in geographically distant centers. The virtual pathology service also speeds up inter-hospital pathology consultations.
Medical Education and Research Institutions
The Ministry plays a vital role in medical education and research in the Kingdom.
King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS) has 3 campuses in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Ahsa. Currently, there are 1,945 residents in specialist training and 630 fellows in accredited programs.
Two initiatives of the KSAU-HS, The King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Arabic Health Encyclopedia (KAAHE), a advanced simulation center, and the National and Gulf Center for Evidence-Based Health Practice (NGCEBHP) have incorporated academic and research dimensions into the outstanding clinical care and training programs.
King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC) is the largest medical research center in KSA with multiple branches in the Central (Riyadh), Eastern (Al Ahsa and Dammam), and Western (Jeddah and Medina) regions. KAIMRC collaborates with global organizations to facilitate the advancement of biomedical and clinical research and knowledge and translate this into practical solutions. Notable core research projects include the Saudi Biobank, the Cord Blood Bank, and the Research Trauma Project. These projects are leading to incredible advances in the nation’s most common diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, trauma, obesity, and hypertension.
Are you a highly skilled and motivated western-trained consultant seeking a new challenge with increased earning opportunities?
As the population grows and the healthcare sector expands, the country seeks highly qualified and experienced healthcare professionals to fill workforce gaps. Western-trained doctors, particularly those with advanced fellowships post-specialisation, are in high demand to introduce new skills and techniques.
Contact Allocation Assist today to find out about opportunities in the established and growing healthcare sector: https://www.allocationassist.com/
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