Vision of Saudi Arabia 2030 in Health Sector and Clinical Services in Community Pharmacy: Current Situation and Future Directions

Abstract Background/Aim: Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 outlines a framework to transform healthcare through privatization, preventive care, and patient-centered services. Community pharmacies are pivotal to this transformation, offering accessible healthcare hubs for clinical services. This study evaluates the current state of community pharmacy clinical services in Saudi Arabia, explores global best practices, and identifies barriers. It also highlights the role of the Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Specialty Network (Amb care PSN) and key initiatives like the first medication therapy management (MTM) clinic. Materials and Methods: A review of peer-reviewed literature, national reports, and case studies was conducted. Surveys, randomized controlled trials, and qualitative evaluations were analyzed to assess pharmacist roles, patient outcomes, and challenges. Key initiatives, including MTM clinics and Amb care PSN programs, were examined to understand their impact and alignment with Vision 2030 goals. Results: Community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia have traditionally focused on dispensing medications. Recent regulatory updates expanded their roles to include vaccinations, MTM, and chronic disease management. However, challenges persist, including infrastructure limitations, lack of access to patient medical records, and training gaps. The Amb care PSN, under the Saudi Society of Clinical Pharmacy (SSCP), plays a vital role in advancing clinical pharmacy practice through certification programs, workshops, and research. These efforts have enhanced pharmacist preparedness and engagement. The first MTM clinic in Riyadh demonstrated significant improvements in medication adherence (OR 7.89, 95% CI 3.6–17.4), patient satisfaction (p = 0.00001), and reductions in drug-related problems (p = 0.0001). Challenges included long wait times, limited integration with other healthcare providers, and high operational costs. Globally, models from countries like the UK, Australia, and the US demonstrate the potential for community pharmacists to reduce hospitalizations and improve patient outcomes through expanded roles, supported by strong policy frameworks. Conclusion: Community pharmacies in Saudi Arabia are well-positioned to support Vision 2030’s healthcare goals. The initiatives like the MTM clinic show promise in expanding clinical pharmacy services. However, barriers such as infrastructure deficiencies, economic challenges, and limited interprofessional collaboration must be addressed. Strategies including sustainable reimbursement models, digital health integration, and enhanced training programs can enable community pharmacies to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care and contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia’s healthcare transformation.