MAKKAH — In a groundbreaking achievement for regional healthcare, King Abdullah Medical City (KAMC) in Makkah has become the first institution in the Middle East and Africa to implement remote cochlear implant tuning using Remote Assist technology. The procedure was performed entirely via telemedicine, eliminating the need for patients to visit a clinic in person.
The implementation marks a significant advancement in digital health and reflects Saudi Arabia’s push toward proactive, patient-centered care under Vision 2030.
> “This development redefines the patient experience,” said officials from the Makkah Health Cluster, which oversees KAMC. “It saves time and effort while ensuring clinical quality on par with in-person visits.”
The milestone was delivered by the Cochlear Implant Center at KAMC, which has performed over 250 cochlear implant surgeries since its inception. The new capability allows post-implant adjustments to be made remotely, granting patients real-time access to expert care regardless of physical location.
Dr. Faris Al-Ghamdi, Head of Audiology and Balance at the center, led the initiative. He noted that the use of Remote Assist represents a leap forward for patients with hearing loss, offering high-quality service without the limitations of distance or time.
> “This success reflects the integration of precision subspecialties with intelligent technologies,” he added.
The center has also received Level A accreditation for post-implant rehabilitation services — a distinction that affirms its clinical excellence and operational readiness in line with global standards.
Dr. Adel bin Abdulqader Tash, CEO of KAMC, emphasized that the achievement aligns with the city’s broader commitment to innovation in healthcare delivery:
> “We are proud to lead in adopting digital solutions that are proactive, humane, and internationally benchmarked.”
The remote tuning breakthrough not only enhances accessibility for patients across the Kingdom but also reinforces KAMC’s position as a regional leader in advanced, digitally enabled specialty care.
