METHODS: This is a descriptive retrospective study. The most recently available data of the number of physician/capita for the top 3 countries with the most physicians per capita were collected from available online open-access resources. All Saudi data were collected from the Ministry of Health website.

RESULTS: We found that the top 3 countries with the most physicians per capita were Denmark, Greece, and Norway. Denmark spent 10.35% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on healthcare, with 44.60 physicians/10,000 residents for a total population of 5.70 million. Denmark's population has a life expectancy of 79.50 years. Greece spent 8.45% of its GDP on healthcare, with 45.90 physicians/10,000 residents for a total population of 10.60 million. The Greek population has a life expectancy of 80.70 years. Norway spent 10.50% of its GDP on healthcare, with 46.30 physicians/10,000 residents for a total population of 5.29 million. Norway's population has a life expectancy of 81.90 years. In 2018, Saudi spent 9.20% of its GDP on healthcare based on General Authority for Statistics, with 31.40 physicians/10,000 residents for a total population of 33.40 million. The Saudi population has a life expectancy of 75 years. Between 2012 and 2018, Saudi spends on healthcare increased from 6.80% to 9.20%, with an increase in the number of physicians/10,000 residents from 24.40 to 31.40. Also, life expectancy increased from 73.80 to 75 years.

CONCLUSIONS: Although Saudi Arabia spent on healthcare more than Greece, the quality-of-care indicator (life expectancy) was lower. Over the years, Saudi Arabia's spending on healthcare increased with a clear improvement in life expectancy. Further studies should be done to address other factors affecting quality-of-care indicators.