The Medical City at King Saud University (KSUMC) in Riyadh signed a memorandum of understanding with the United States-based Houston Methodist Hospital, which includes collaboration on the development and implementation of projects related to quality and patient safety and the provision of clinical, administrative and educational services.

The MoU was signed by Prof. Ahmad Hersi, chief executive officer at KSUMC, and Cathy Easter, president and CEO of Houston Methodist Global Health Care Services. The signing ceremony was also attended by the Executive Director of Health Affairs at KSUMC, Prof. Dr. Fawzi Al-Jasser, the Executive Director of Academic Affairs, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Bahmam, the Medical Director of King Khalid University Hospital, Dr. Nasser Al-Khamis, the Medical Director of the University Dental Hospital, Dr. Sarah Al-Sabeet, and Houston Methodist team members.

Commenting on the signing of the agreement, Prof. Hersi said the collaboration “comes at a time when the health sector is witnessing rapid development that requires keeping pace with it through exchanging knowledge, experiences, and best practices in an effort to promote the quality of health services delivered to beneficiaries and enhance their satisfaction and experience and this comes through applying the best international standards in the health sector, supporting programs to develop health services, medical education, and scientific research as part of the guidelines stipulated in the Saudi Vision 2030.”

Additionally, Prof. Hersi added, “the University Medical City is considered one of the long-standing well-known medical establishments in the Kingdom and comprises of renowned experts in various medical disciplines with the most advanced medical potentials of modern medicine.”

Cathy Easter said “Houston Methodist Global Health Care Services is honored to partner with King Saud University Medical City to explore potential areas of collaboration in quality, clinical collaboration, innovation and education and training where health care professionals from both organizations can exchange best practices and learn from each other’s experiences.

“Houston Methodist is committed to enhancing health care delivery within the Kingdom. We look forward to a longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship with KSUMC as they continue their pioneering work to provide world-class, integrated health care.”

After the signing ceremony, the Houston Methodist delegation visited KSUMC’s health centers, departments and wards, and were briefed on its advanced technology and capabilities, and the integrated medical care it provides in accordance with the highest international quality standards, in addition to the medical training and scientific research facilities. Furthermore, the delegation was briefed on the future projects of KSUMC.