In an interaction with Khushbu Sharma, Joint Director – Collaborations, Voice of Healthcare, during the Global Health Exhibition held from October 27–30, 2025, at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center, Muhieddine Makkouk, Vice President and General Manager of Danaher Diagnostics in Saudi Arabia, shared insights on the company’s strategic initiatives supporting the Kingdom’s healthcare transformation under Vision 2030.
Makkouk highlighted that Saudi Arabia has crossed the midway point in its healthcare transformation journey, a key pillar of the nation’s ambitious Vision 2030. The ongoing reforms, he explained, are aimed at diversifying the economy, enhancing local capabilities, and building a sustainable socio-economic ecosystem. “Healthcare plays a central role in this vision, and we are witnessing major structural shifts that are redefining how care is delivered and managed across the Kingdom,” he said.
Elaborating on these structural changes, Makkouk noted that the Ministry of Health (MOH) is transitioning from its traditional role as a service provider to becoming primarily a policy-making and regulatory body. The responsibility for healthcare delivery and execution is now shifting to newly established entities such as the Healthcare Holding Company and various regional clusters, which are designed to decentralize operations and improve efficiency. At the same time, the Center for National Health Insurance (CNHI) is developing robust insurance and funding frameworks to ensure equitable access, better budgeting, and improved health outcomes for all citizens.
Against this backdrop, Danaher has introduced Project Falcon — a transformative initiative that consolidates all of Danaher’s diagnostic operating companies under a single, unified leadership structure in Saudi Arabia. “We are piloting a very unique approach in Danaher, where all diagnostic businesses operate under one cohesive platform. We’re now about a year and a half into our go-direct journey,” Makkouk shared, emphasizing that this model enhances alignment, efficiency, and customer engagement.
He further underscored the need for innovation and process optimization to improve patient outcomes. “There’s a strong opportunity to optimize service delivery and quality of care by addressing specific bottlenecks,” he explained. “For instance, reducing waiting times in emergency departments by introducing point-of-care testing can streamline patient flow, accelerate diagnosis, and enable faster treatment decisions.”
Reflecting on the Global Health Exhibition, Makkouk praised the event as an important platform bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators from across the region. However, he also pointed out that more specialized and focused forums could foster deeper discussions around critical areas such as innovation funding, digital health, and equitable access to care. “Saudi Arabia remains the region’s largest and most dynamic healthcare market, and participation at Global Health is essential. Still, targeted platforms could go further in shaping policies and accelerating innovation,” he concluded.
Through initiatives like Project Falcon, Danaher aims to align with Saudi Arabia’s evolving healthcare ecosystem, supporting its mission to deliver accessible, efficient, and high-quality care across the Kingdom.
About Muhieddine Makkouk
Muhieddine Makkouk is the Vice President and General Manager of Danaher Diagnostics in Saudi Arabia, leading the company’s transformation initiatives, including Project Falcon. With experience spanning 10 countries across three continents, he brings a strong global perspective to healthcare leadership.
A seasoned life sciences and pharmaceutical executive, Makkouk is known for building high-performing teams, transforming organizations, and driving strategic alignment. Valuing leadership, collaboration, and adaptability, he combines a hands-on approach with a clear vision for innovation, integrity, and operational excellence.