News DeskRiyadh, Saudi Arabia – The integration of Tele-ICU services across Saudi Arabia, spearheaded by Dr. Amera Rahmatullah, Consultant in Pulmonary & Critical Care at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC), has marked a significant advancement in critical care. This pioneering initiative, which utilizes telemedicine to extend healthcare access to rural regions, has received widespread acclaim for its innovative approach and far-reaching impact.
Under Dr. Rahmatullah’s leadership, the Critical Care Medicine (CCM) Department at KFSHRC oversees a diverse range of specialized units, including surgical and organ transplant, medical and oncology units, and COVID-19 units. With a total capacity of 67 beds, these units admit over 4,000 patients annually. The department operates with 24/7 consultant coverage and a highly skilled multidisciplinary team comprising physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and allied health professionals.
Recognizing the importance of extending specialized care beyond hospital walls, the Tele-ICU program was launched in 2010. Initially aimed at reducing patient transfers and providing critical care expertise to remote communities, the program expanded significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming a crucial resource for managing critically ill patients. Today, the Tele-ICU network offers real-time ICU support across the Kingdom, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care nationwide.
In an exclusive interview, Dr. Rahmatullah highlighted the transformative impact of telemedicine at KFSHRC. “Our Tele-ICU initiative has revolutionized critical care in Saudi Arabia by bridging the gap between urban and rural healthcare. This WHO-accredited program has minimized unnecessary hospital transfers, improved patient outcomes, and enabled timely interventions in remote areas, providing seamless, high-quality care across the Kingdom,” she explained. This initiative is part of KFSHRC’s broader strategy to expand critical care services nationwide.
As the Director of the Critical Care Medicine Residency Program, Dr. Rahmatullah has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s critical care workforce. She trains residents across various ICUs, equipping them with the technical and leadership skills required to manage the Kingdom’s most complex cases. Under her guidance, the residency program has emerged as a key source of future specialists, ensuring that KFSHRC remains at the forefront of healthcare education and innovation.
Dr. Rahmatullah’s involvement in the COVI-PRONE trial, an innovative research initiative aimed at enhancing outcomes for COVID-19 patients in intensive care, further underscores her commitment to clinical excellence and research. Managing the trial amidst the pandemic, while balancing her roles as a clinician and mentor, reflects her resilience and leadership during one of the most challenging periods for global healthcare.
A strong advocate for innovation, Dr. Rahmatullah’s contributions to telemedicine, AI, and precision medicine in an intensive care setting continue to advance patient care across Saudi Arabia. Her visionary leadership and dedication to improving healthcare access and quality have set new benchmarks in critical care, benefiting patients throughout the Kingdom.
