Cost To Build A Healthcare App Like Sehhaty In Saudi Arabia

The way people access healthcare in Saudi Arabia is changing and mobile apps are playing a crucial role in this transformation. One standout example of this shift is Sehhaty, a popular healthcare app that allows citizens to access medical services, book appointments, view health records, and even get COVID-19 test results, all from their smartphones. With the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 emphasizing better healthcare accessibility and patient experience, the demand for similar healthcare applications is growing at an unprecedented pace.

If you’re an entrepreneur, healthcare provider, or tech startup aiming to tap into this expanding market, you might be wondering,  “how much does it actually cost to build a healthcare app like Sehhaty in Saudi Arabia?” The answer depends on various factors, including app features, technology stack, development approach, and compliance with Saudi healthcare regulations. In this blog, we’ll break down these factors, explore healthcare app development cost considerations, and guide you through the essential steps to create a secure, user-friendly, and regulation-compliant healthcare app tailored to the Saudi market.

What is Sehhaty?

Sehhaty is an advanced healthcare mobile application launched in Saudi Arabia as part of the Ministry of Health’s efforts to make medical services more accessible and convenient for citizens and residents. The app acts as a one-stop platform for managing personal health information, booking on-demand doctor appointments, and accessing a wide range of healthcare services without visiting a clinic in person.

Available on both Android and iOS, Sehhaty integrates with various government health systems, enabling users to:

• Schedule and manage doctor appointments

• View prescriptions and medical reports

• Access COVID-19 test results and vaccination records

• Track fitness and health data

• Receive health awareness tips and updates
   

The platform plays a key role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which focuses on improving healthcare quality, enhancing patient experience, and increasing the adoption of digital health solutions. By offering a seamless and secure way to interact with healthcare providers, Sehhaty has become a model for modern healthcare delivery in the region.

Key Features of a Healthcare App Like Sehhaty

Developing a healthcare app similar to Sehhaty requires a combination of user-friendly design, secure data handling, and comprehensive functionality. These features not only enhance patient experience but also ensure smooth operations for healthcare providers. Below are the key features that make a healthcare app development successful in the Saudi Arabian market:

1. User Registration & Profile Management

A seamless and secure registration process is the first step in building trust. Users should be able to create accounts using their mobile number, email, or national ID. The app should allow patients to maintain detailed profiles, including personal information, medical history, allergies, ongoing treatments, and emergency contacts. This centralized profile helps doctors access patient information quickly, improving diagnosis and care quality.

2. Doctor & Hospital Appointment Booking

One of the most critical features is a robust appointment scheduling system. Users can search for doctors based on specialization, location, or availability. The app should offer real-time slot availability, instant booking confirmation, and the ability to reschedule or cancel appointments. Integrating this with hospital management systems ensures smooth workflow and reduces waiting times.

3. Access to Medical Records

A healthcare app like Sehhaty should act as a digital health hub. Patients should have access to their prescriptions, lab reports, imaging results, and vaccination history at any time. This feature eliminates the need for physical records and ensures that critical information is readily available during consultations or emergencies.

4. COVID-19 & Public Health Services

Since the pandemic, features like COVID-19 test results, vaccination certificates, and health status verification have become essential. The app can provide users with up-to-date information, booking options for tests or vaccines, and notifications about public health alerts, ensuring citizens remain informed and safe.

5. Prescription Management & Medicine Reminders

Digital prescriptions allow patients to view, download, and share their prescriptions with pharmacies or healthcare providers. Integrated reminders for medication intake, prescription renewals, and doctor follow-ups help users adhere to their treatment plans, improving health outcomes.

6. Health Tracking & Monitoring

Modern healthcare apps often include features for monitoring vital statistics. Integration with wearable devices and sensors can track heart rate, steps, sleep patterns, blood pressure, and glucose levels. Providing visual dashboards and personalized health insights empowers users to take proactive measures for their well-being.

7. In-App Notifications & Alerts

Push notifications enhance user engagement by reminding patients about upcoming appointments, medication schedules, preventive check-ups, or health campaigns. Timely alerts also allow healthcare providers to communicate important updates directly with patients, improving service delivery.

8. Multi-Language & Accessibility Support

To cater to the diverse population in Saudi Arabia, the app should support multiple languages, primarily Arabic and English. Accessibility features, such as voice commands, adjustable font sizes, and high-contrast modes, ensure the app is usable for everyone, including elderly users or people with disabilities.

9. Data Security & Compliance

Since healthcare apps handle sensitive medical information, strong security measures are non-negotiable. Features like end-to-end encryption, secure login, biometric authentication, and compliance with Saudi health regulations (like the Saudi Health Information Exchange policies) protect patient data and build trust with users.

10. Telemedicine & Virtual Consultations 

Many modern healthcare apps like teladoc now include telemedicine features that allow patients to consult doctors via video or chat. This is particularly valuable for remote areas or for patients who cannot visit clinics easily. Integrating virtual consultation options enhances the app’s utility and can significantly expand its user base.

11. Integration with Insurance & Payment Gateways

Seamless integration with health insurance providers and payment gateways allows users to handle billing, insurance claims, and payment for services directly within the app. This reduces paperwork and simplifies the healthcare experience for patients.

12. Health Tips & Educational Content

Providing users with curated health tips, preventive care advice, and wellness articles keeps them engaged and encourages healthy habits. This feature not only increases app usage but also positions the platform as a trusted health companion.

Cost to Develop a Healthcare App Like Sehhaty in Saudi Arabia

The cost of developing a healthcare app like Sehhaty in Saudi Arabia can vary widely depending on the features, complexity, and technology used. A basic app with essential functionalities such as appointment booking, medical records access, and notifications may cost less. If you include more advanced features like telemedicine, wearable integration, AI-driven health insights, or multi-language support, the cost can rise the complete development cost. Factors such as platform choice (iOS, Android, or both), custom UI/UX design, backend infrastructure, data security, and compliance with Saudi healthcare regulations also significantly influence the overall mobile app development cost.

Key Factors Influencing the Development Cost of a Sehhaty-Like App

Building a healthcare app like Sehhaty requires careful planning, skilled development, and compliance with strict healthcare regulations. The cost is influenced by multiple factors, including app complexity, features, platform choice, and development approach. Here’s a breakdown of what affects the development cost:

1. App Complexity & Features

The more advanced features your app has, the higher the development cost. Basic apps with essential features like appointment booking and medical records may cost less, while apps with telemedicine, wearable integrations, AI in healthcare, or real-time notifications will require more time and investment.

2. Platform Choice

Deciding whether to develop a native app for iOS and Android or a cross-platform solution affects both cost and timeline. Native apps provide better performance but are more expensive, whereas cross-platform apps can save costs but may have limitations in advanced functionalities.

3. Design & User Experience

A healthcare app must be intuitive and user-friendly, especially for elderly users or people with limited tech knowledge. Custom UI/UX design, multi-language support, and accessibility features increase both app development time and cost.

4. Backend Development & Database Integration

Secure and scalable backend architecture is essential for storing sensitive health data. Integration with hospital systems, health databases, and third-party services like insurance providers or payment gateways also adds to the cost.

5. Compliance & Security

Healthcare apps must adhere to local regulations and data protection laws in Saudi Arabia, such as Saudi Health Information Exchange policies. Implementing encryption, authentication, and secure cloud storage ensures compliance but increases development expenses.

6. Testing & Quality Assurance

Extensive testing is crucial to ensure the app is bug-free, secure, and reliable. Costs vary depending on the number of features, supported devices, and the complexity of testing required.

7. Maintenance & Updates

Post-launch maintenance, updates, and support are ongoing costs. Regular updates are necessary to keep the app compatible with new OS versions, improve security, and add new features based on user feedback.

How to Reduce the Overall Cost of Developing an App Like Sehhaty?

Sehhaty like app development can be a significant investment, but there are practical strategies to optimize costs without compromising quality or security. Here are some effective ways to reduce the overall development expenses:

1. Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

Instead of building a fully-featured app from the start, focus on launching a minimum viable product that includes only the core functionalities like appointment booking, medical records access, and notifications. Once your app gains traction, additional features can be added in later updates, reducing initial development costs.

2. Choose Cross-Platform Development

Developing the app using cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or React Native allows you to build a single codebase for both iOS and Android. This approach saves development time and costs compared to building separate native apps for each platform.

3. Use Pre-Built Modules & APIs

Leveraging ready-made modules, third-party APIs, and SDKs for features like payment processing, push notifications, or telemedicine can significantly cut down custom development time and costs.

4. Focus on Core Features First

Prioritize essential functionalities for the initial launch. Advanced features like AI-based health insights, wearable integration, or chatbots can be implemented later once the app starts generating revenue.

5. Outsource to Experienced Developers

Hiring a skilled offshore or nearshore development team with healthcare app experience can reduce costs compared to hiring a large in-house team. Experienced developers can also suggest cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.

6. Opt for Cloud-Based Infrastructure

Using cloud services for data storage, hosting, and backend infrastructure reduces the need for expensive on-premise servers, while offering scalability and security for your app.

7. Plan for Incremental Updates

Instead of building everything at once, adopt a phased development approach. Launch the app with core features, gather user feedback, and gradually introduce additional functionalities. This strategy optimizes costs and ensures your app meets user needs effectively.

How IMG Global Infotech Can Help You Build a Healthcare App Like Sehhaty

Advanced healthcare app development like Sehhaty requires expertise in mobile app development, healthcare compliance, and user-centric design. IMG Global Infotech specializes in delivering customized digital solutions for healthcare providers, startups, and enterprises looking to enter the Saudi market.

Here’s how IMG Global Infotech can support your project:

1. End-to-End App Development

From conceptualization and UI/UX design to development, testing, and deployment, IMG Global Infotech offers complete app development services. We ensure your app is intuitive, feature-rich, and aligns with Saudi healthcare standards.

2. Regulatory Compliance & Data Security

Healthcare apps must adhere to strict regulations regarding sensitive patient data. Our team ensures that your app meets Saudi Health Information Exchange (SHIE) policies, implements end-to-end encryption, and follows best practices for secure data storage and management.

3. Custom Feature Integration

Whether it’s appointment booking, telemedicine, AI-driven health insights, or wearable device integration, IMG Global Infotech can implement features tailored to your business goals and user needs.

4. Cross-Platform Development

To reach the widest audience, we offer cross-platform app development using technologies like Flutter and React Native, ensuring smooth performance on both iOS and Android devices.

5. Ongoing Support & Maintenance

Launching the app is just the beginning. IMG Global Infotech provides continuous support, updates, and feature enhancements to keep your app secure, scalable, and competitive in the fast-growing healthcare market.

Conclusion

Developing a healthcare app like Sehhaty in Saudi Arabia presents a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs, healthcare providers, and startups to tap into the growing digital health market. While the healthcare app development cost in the Middle East varies depending on features, platform choice, and compliance requirements, careful planning and strategic decision-making can help optimize your investment.

By focusing on essential features, adopting cost-effective development approaches, and partnering with experienced healthcare app development company like IMG Global Infotech, you can create a secure, user-friendly, and fully compliant healthcare app. Such a platform not only improves patient engagement and accessibility but also positions your business as a trusted player in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving healthcare ecosystem.