The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) officially launched its operations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone in its mission to enhance healthcare education in MENA.
The launch event, hosted at the Irish Embassy in Riyadh, was attended by esteemed representatives from the healthcare sector, government officials, members of the Irish community, and RCSI alumni.
Among the key figures was RCSI Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer Professor Cathal Kelly, who emphasized the institution’s vision.
“As a university deeply committed to global health and well-being, we are proud to establish a presence in Riyadh and to continue our efforts in the region to deliver the highest quality of education and training for the benefit of patients,” says Kelly.
According to Kelly, this strategic expansion underscores RCSI’s commitment to global health and well-being, as well as its dedication to providing innovative healthcare programs tailored to the needs of professionals in Saudi Arabia.
RCSI’s presence in Saudi Arabia is set to provide diverse programs, including Healthcare Management, Clinical Leadership, Digital Health Technologies, and other healthcare specializations.
According to Kelly, these programs are designed to meet the evolving needs of healthcare professionals in the region, ensuring they have access to world-class education and training.
“We look forward to working closely with healthcare professionals and organizations to contribute to the advancement of healthcare in the Kingdom,” says Kelly.
The launch event concluded a week of significant milestones for RCSI in Saudi Arabia, highlighted by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties during the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh.
This agreement aims to enhance collaboration in training and the development of surgical expertise among Saudi professionals. The MoU reflects RCSI’s long-standing history of partnerships in Saudi Arabia, which spans over thirty years.
RCSI says it is eager to collaborate with clinics and hospitals in Saudi Arabia to promote knowledge exchange, innovation, and mutual benefit. By fostering relationships with local healthcare organizations, RCSI aims to create a robust environment for professional growth and the improvement of patient care standards.
Established in 2023, RCSI’s Riyadh office offers accredited postgraduate education, training, and consultancy services in leadership, management, patient safety, and quality.
According to Kelly these initiatives are driven by the institution’s goal to deliver impactful education and training that directly benefits healthcare systems and patients.
“This expansion reaffirms RCSI’s dedication to being a global leader in healthcare education and its role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s vision for a world-class healthcare system,” says Kelly.