By Laurence Smith, Greybeard Healthcare Co-Founder
April 2026
It is nearly three years since the ground breaking World Health Assembly resolution (WHA76.6) on strengthening rehabilitation in health systems globally. Welcoming the resolution, the World Health Organisation described it as a “historic milestone” which marked “the first time in 75 years that rehabilitation has been recognized as a core global public health priority”.
The resolution was driven by increasing recognition of the benefits of rehabilitation, both for individuals (WHO estimates 1 in 3 people stand to benefit from improved rehabilitation provision) as well as for health service funders and systems (better recovery and reduced dependency). Driven by this evidence, the WHO set out 10 “Areas for Action” between 2023 and 2030, ranging from leadership to networks and partnerships, financing, and integration into the health sector.
Underpinning many of these Areas for Action is the urgency of greater capacity and innovation. It is therefore highly appropriate that one of the most high profile new hospital openings in Saudi Arabia in recent years has been the AMAD Rehabilitation Hospital, in northern Riyadh. Greybeard Healthcare has been delighted to have recently completed a small project to help celebrate AMAD’s impressive progress during its first year.
The right time in the right place
AMAD is led by Dr Heba AlMatter, an experienced healthcare professional who previously held senior positions at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare and the Fakeeh Group.
In an interview earlier this year, Dr Heba explained why the Hospital is opening at the right time in the right place. “I have a long-standing belief in the power and benefits of high-quality rehabilitation, and my confidence that the service has launched in the right place at the right time. The northern districts of Riyadh are transforming and modernizing at an electrifying pace – as shown by projects such as the 92,000-seat King Salman Stadium, or the vibrant Al Hamra SEVEN entertainment zone. Across the capital city, we are seeing an expanding and aging population, with the number of residents rising from 6.2 million in 2015 to a projected 9.6 million in 2030. All these factors reinforce the growing demand for rehabilitation services.”
A patient-centered approach
World-class rehabilitation involves multidisciplinary expertise. The AMAD team being assembled by Dr Heba involves subject matter experts in the fields of occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language therapy, psychology, nutrition and many others. It is by leveraging the insights of professionals in all these disciplines that a truly patient-centered approach to rehabilitation can be designed.
At AMAD, rehabilitation starts with personalization – responding to the unqie needs of tg individuals and informed by contributions from the patient’s family. One of the earliest priorities led by Dr Heba was the establishment of a Patient and Family Advisory Committee to promote engagement and feedback from all those concerned that the best possible rehabilitation experience should be identified.
Driving rehabilitation innovation
One of the key benefits of a Hospital that focuses primarily on Rehabilitation is that it is well placed to drive innovation and new thinking. Indeed, one of the five strategic pillars which Dr Heba has championed is: To foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation, empowering individuals and teams to adapt, grow and excel. In the first six months of operations, a number of priorities were progressed. These includes establishing an academic leadership role in rehabilitation innovation and medical research advancement, for example through academic partnerships with Princess Nourah University and the Saudi Physical Therapy Association; and also creating a continuous learning environment through comprehensive training programs and personal development plans.
It is hard to overstate the benefits to patients of greater rehabilitation excellence globally. A recent study in the United States demonstrated that over 70% of patients with chronic pain and mobility impairment experience a measurable reduction in pain levels after rehabilitation interventions 1. As populations age, more people will fall within the demographic cohort most susceptible to such life-impairing chronic pain experiences. It is more incumbent than ever that healthcare providers use their knowledge and experience to tackle this growing challenge.
Looking ahead
Reflecting on AMAD’s rapid progress since its official opening, Dr Heba observed, “The science of rehabilitation is evolving rapidly, as researchers gain a greater understanding of the connections between psychological, financial and nutritional wellbeing, with the speed and efficacy of post-operative recovery.” Given the focus on healthcare in the Saudi Vision 2030, it is highly appropriate that the capital city should now be home to a regional center of excellence able to drive the frontiers of knowledge.
Greybeard Healthcare sends its best wishes to Dr Heba and her senior executive team as they pursue the delivery of their inspirational mission: “To be a premier leader in rehabilitation, where every individual achieves optional outcomes through excellence innovation and compassion.”
Notes
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). ‘Benefits of Physical Therapy’ undated
