Cost to Develop a Healthcare App like Sehhaty in Saudi Arabia

The healthcare industry got a major wake-up call during the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed it to embrace digital transformation. Smartphones played a huge role in this shift, making it easier for people to access telehealth services and healthcare apps. In 2025, many medical practitioners, hospitals, and clinics are looking to create a healthcare app like Sehhaty. But why is that?

Due to the altered healthcare landscape after the COVID-19 era and rising customer expectations, mobile apps are no longer a luxury. There is limitless potential for growth in the medical health apps market, with the market size anticipated to surpass $154.12 billion by 2034 (15.20% CAGR from 2025 to 2034). By developing a healthcare app like Sehhaty, healthcare institutions can achieve their specific goals and offer extraordinary, timely, and patient-centred healthcare services.

Without a doubt, an app can revolutionize healthcare for institutions and customers. But that leads us to the burning question - What is the cost to build a healthcare app like Sehhaty? The price tag can vary widely, based on the features, technology stack, third-party integrations, and testing. All of these are key factors in determining the final bill. In this blog, we will break down the specifics of healthcare app development costs. Let’s get down to business.

Table of Contents

• What is the Sehhaty App?
• Why Build a Healthcare App like Sehhaty?
• 8 Key Features of a Healthcare App Like Sehhaty
• 9 Factors Influencing the Cost of Developing an App Like Sehhaty In Saudi Arabia
• 10 Types of Healthcare Apps
• 3 Hidden Costs Involved In Creating An App Like Sehhaty In Saudi Arabia
• Challenges Companies Face While Creating an App Like Sehhaty In Saudi Arabia
• Wrapping Up
• FAQs

What Is the Sehhaty App?

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health kicked off an initiative in 2019 aimed at streamlining appointments at healthcare facilities. The initiative is known as the Sehhaty App. It’s a smart, easy-to-use solution that lets patients schedule appointments with healthcare providers, view their electronic records, and make the most of vaccination and testing services.

Overall, the Sehhaty healthcare app is focused on enhancing how healthcare is delivered in Saudi Arabia, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers. The Saudi government is recognized for its strategic vision, having invested over $1.5 billion in telemedicine, AI-driven diagnostics, and electronic health records. The Sehhaty app is merely a stepping stone in this ambitious journey.

For healthcare providers who are impressed by the Sehhaty app and are eager to achieve similar success in their country, it's wise to connect with a healthcare app development company in Saudi Arabia.

Why Is the Sehhaty App Regarded as a Benchmark in the Healthcare Apps?

The Saudi Arabian hospital market is projected to reach USD 25.63 billion by 2030. With a population of more than 35 million, the Sehhaty app serves as a valuable tool for both citizens and expatriates. So, what exactly makes the Sehhaty app stand out? Below are some reasons why the Sehhaty app is considered a gold standard in the healthcare sector.

• Endorsed by the Saudi Government: Gains incredible credibility through its development and management by the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia.
• Comprehensive Platform: Allows patients to access a wide range of services, including appointment booking, vaccine records, telehealth consultations, all under one roof.
• National Health Integration: Integrates seamlessly with the country’s national health infrastructure, ensuring that data flows in real-time between patients and healthcare providers.
• User-Centric Approach: With a user-focused design, the Sehay app’s clean and intuitive interface caters to both Arabic and English speakers.
• High Adoption Rate: Boasting 24 million users and 68.5% uptake, the Sehhaty app has a markedly high adoption rate.
• Beyond Healthcare: Beyond just healthcare, the Sehhaty app also offers innovative features like fitness tracking, chronic disease monitoring, and wellness advice.

Why Build a Healthcare App Like Sehhaty?

Below are the top 6 reasons to build a healthcare app like Sehhaty.

• Growing Demand & Customer Expectations: Increased demand for telehealth and healthcare apps in a post-COVID era.
• Convenience: Patients want convenience; the Sehhaty app allows them to book appointments, access medical reports, and consult with doctors, all from the comfort of their homes.
• Accessibility: The shift to healthcare apps means healthcare facilities can reach people in remote and far-off areas.
• Monetization: Subscription models, in-app purchases, and ads.

8 Key Features of a Healthcare App Like Sehhaty

Healthcare institutions and providers must examine the features of a healthcare app like Sehhaty. After detailed research and analysis, they can determine which features to include in their app. Below are some of the top features of advanced healthcare apps like Sehhaty.

1. User Registration & Profile Management

Patients can use this feature to register, create personalized profiles, and safely manage their healthcare information.

2. Appointment Scheduling

This feature allows users to book, modify, or cancel appointments, whether they are in-person or virtual, with their healthcare providers.

3. Telehealth Consultations

Secure audio/video consultations ensure that users can avail medical care without leaving their homes.

4. Health Records Management

Centralized access to electronic health records, such as lab results, prescriptions, and visit history, results in enhanced care quality and efficiency.

5. Symptom Checker

Serves as a great tool for users to examine their symptoms and receive guidance on how to manage them.

6. Payment Gateway Integration

Whether it's consultations, tests, services, or insurance needs, this feature ensures secure online payments.

7. Notifications & Reminders

Receive timely notifications and reminders for upcoming appointments, medication schedules, and follow-up sessions. On top of that, the app shares valuable health and nutrition tips to help users stay healthy.

8. Data Security & Compliance

Implement solid encryption practices and ensure compliance with relevant healthcare regulations. User data /(personal and health-related) remains secure.

Thinking about developing a custom healthcare app for your business? Book a consultation with one of the leading mobile app development companies in Saudi Arabia.

9 Factors Influencing the Cost of Developing an App Like Sehhaty In Saudi Arabia

The cost of building a healthcare app like Sehhaty depends on various factors. Healthcare apps with complex features and integrations cost more than apps with basic features. Also, the choice of tech stack and the development team’s location can increase or decrease overall costs. Below are some factors that healthcare providers must keep in mind before commencing healthcare app development.

1) App Complexity

Understanding app complexity is not rocket science. Simple apps with limited features will require more resources. Complex apps require additional effort and time. Below is the cost estimate for the app as per the complexities.

Basic Apps

• Basic healthcare apps usually come equipped with core features, minimal integrations, and a straightforward UI/UX.
• Expect the development costs to fall between $40,000 and $70,000.
• The typical development timeframe is about 3 to 6 months.

Intermediate Complexity

• Medium complexity healthcare apps usually boast features such as bespoke UI/UX, video calling, EHR integrations, and compliance with regulations.
• Development costs range from $70,000 to $150,000.
• The development timeframe can be anywhere from 6 to 10 months.

Advanced Apps

• Advanced apps are equipped with sophisticated features like AI, real-time data integrations, support for multiple languages, analytics, and enhanced security.
• The estimated development costs for these apps can range from $70,000 to $150,000.
• Development time typically spans around 10 to 18 months.

2) Development Stages

Creating a complex yet refined healthcare app like Sehhaty demands a carefully planned and organized strategy. The costs can vary based on several factors, including delays, the need for rework, the location of the development team, and post-launch adjustments. Here’s a quick overview of the costs to develop a complex app like Sehhaty.

Note that the above figures are just to give companies a rough idea. For accurate estimates, it is best to consult a professional healthcare app development company in Saudi Arabia. Out of all the stages mentioned above, development is the costliest. Companies can consider outsourcing app development to India or other countries to cut costs.

3) UI/UX Complexity

Designing the UI/UX for an advanced healthcare app like Sehhaty goes beyond aesthetics. The design should be simple, making the app easy to use, safe, and accessible.

The steps below demonstrate how a company should approach UI/UX when creating a healthcare app like Sehhaty.

Empathy-Focused Research

• Collect user feedback across demographics, including experienced healthcare professionals, senior citizens, and patients with disabilities.
• Visualize and document each step of the patient journey, understanding their goals, emotions, and pain points.
• Also, outline what actions healthcare professionals should take when using the system. This will help design a smooth and friction-free UI/UX.

Accessibility-Focused Approach

• Focus on accessibility from the start rather than incorporating it later.
• The fonts, colors, and components must comply with WCAG 2.1 guidelines.
• Users must be able to zoom in or enlarge text without breaking the layout. Whether users access the content on smartphones, tablets, or other devices, the content should be readable.

Prioritize Use Cases

The home screen or dashboard should simplify the following actions

• Booking a doctor
• Viewing medical records
• Accessing health services
• Also, refrain from adding too many features. It may confuse or let down users.

Design for Trust and Security

• Use icons that patients can relate to and choose colors that have a soothing effect.
• Include UX design elements to instill confidence in users regarding their safety and privacy needs (during app interaction).
• Such security assurance UX patterns include padlocks, privacy disclaimers, and content checkboxes.

Prototype and Testing

• Create interactive prototypes using tools such as Figma or Adobe XD.
• Conduct usability testing with actual patients and healthcare providers.
• Refine the app based on feedback. Don’t neglect non-technical users because they represent the average user.

Developer Collaboration

• The final UI and the implemented code should work smoothly on all devices.
• Test the app’s functionality on multiple devices and diverse network environments (including poor and low-bandwidth connections).

Future-Proof

• Create a design that facilitates the addition of new modules without compromising user experience.

Overall, the UI/UX design estimate for a healthcare app similar to Sehhaty would be approximately between $45,000 and $1,20,000. The conservative estimate refers to a UI/UX design with basic flows. In contrast, the higher estimate is for a UI/UX design with a wide range of features, with greater accessibility and multilingual capabilities.

4) Tech-Stack

An advanced healthcare app similar to Sehhaty will have features such as AI-powered assessments, predictive modeling, and personalized health insights. Designing such an app would require companies to leverage robust tech stacks. Below is a brief explanation of the tech stack necessary to create a healthcare app like Sehhaty, along with the cost.

Front-End (User-Interface)

The technologies used for front-end development are as follows-

• React Native/Flutter - For cross-platform apps
• TypeScript - For better type safety
• Figma/Adobe XD - UI/UX design

Back-End (APIs, Logic, and Data Processing)

The technologies used for back-end development include the following-

• Node.js / Django / Spring Boot
• PostgreSQL / MongoDB
• Redis (caching)
• Docker + Kubernetes for containerization and orchestration

AI and Data Science

The technologies used for AI and data science are as follows-

• Python (Pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow)
• MLflow / Kubeflow for model tracking
• Hugging Face (for medical NLP models)

Data Storage and Analytics

The technologies include the following-

• BigQuery / Snowflake / Redshift
• Looker / Metabase / Power BI

One-Time Costs

• Compliance & Security Audits - $10,000–$50,000
• Initial UI/UX Design - $5,000–$20,000
• MVP Development (6–12 months - $250,000–$750,000+

Monthly Costs (Approximate Estimate)

5) Data Security and Compliance

The healthcare sector operates under strict regulations and is bound by many data privacy laws due to the sensitive nature of the information it handles. In the event of a breach or data theft, it companies could struggle to resume operations and maintain high standards of medical care. Compliance management encompasses several essential measures such as the following-

• Encryption
• Secure Servers
• Frequent Audits
• Detailed Documentation

Suppose a company wants to create a healthcare app like Sehhaty. In that case, the compliance costs would be as follows-

Data Security and Compliance Costs

6) Third-Party Integrations

Every country’s healthcare system is unique and works differently. It is not possible to create a generic solution that works seamlessly in all geographies. The solution lies in powerful integrations. When a company sets out to create a healthcare app like Sehhaty in Saudi Arabia, it must consider connecting the app with the local health portals and government services. Many portals store vital information like vaccine records, resident ID proofs, or insurance-related data.

By integrating the healthcare app with other portals and platforms, users can perform actions such as the following-

• View their immunization history
• Schedule checkups
• Verify insurance coverage details

Undoubtedly, these integrations enhance user satisfaction and help gain user trust, but the process is complicated, involving technical and security adjustments, plus numerous approvals. Other formalities include testing, certifications, and additional feeds (for integrations). Below is the cost bifurcation related to third-party integrations for a healthcare app like Sehhaty.

These figures are just to provide an approximate idea for companies that want to build a healthcare app like Sehhaty. Consulting a reputed app development company would be the right step to obtain practical guidance.

7) Development Platform

Choosing the right platform is a high-stakes decision for companies when they consider developing a healthcare app like Sehhaty. It’s not just a technical preference. Choosing the right platform can significantly impact a company’s development budget, the extent of its market reach, the compliance requirements it must meet, and its ability to scale.

Each platform, whether it's iOS or Android, has its benefits and drawbacks. Besides business needs, healthcare companies must make it a point to prioritize security and performance.

iOS App Development

iOS developers usually rely on Swift or Objective-C to build custom healthcare apps for their clients. These apps are optimized to work smoothly on Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and others. Thanks to Apple’s strict security and performance guidelines, these apps are well-suited for HIPAA compliance. Having said that, if companies want to modify them for other countries, their developers will need to put in some extra effort to make those changes.

Cost-Drivers

• Security Compliance: Apple’s default security measures, such as encryption and sandboxing, eliminate the need for external security libraries. Still, ensuring compliance with Apple’s privacy standards requires companies to put in extra effort for QA and compliance.
• Hardware Uniformity: Since Apple devices come with standard screen sizes, hardware components, and OS versions, it minimizes testing costs and efforts.
• Expensive Development Costs: Swift developers demand higher remuneration (hourly and project-wise). On top of that, Apple updates its OS regularly, putting additional burden on developers.

In conclusion, a healthcare app on the iOS platform is ideal for healthcare providers with a premium user base and strong compliance requirements. To develop a healthcare app like Sehhaty on the iOS platform, companies must be prepared to put in $25,000 to $150,000 towards development. Licenses and other fees can further bump up the costs.

Android App Development

Most smartphones and devices use the Android platform. Hence, if companies want to reach a bigger audience and encourage more downloads, they should consider Android app development. Most Android developers use Kotlin or Java, plus Google Play’s approval process is flexible. Despite these advantages, Android development can be challenging.

Cost Drivers

• Device Fragmentation: Requires additional testing since there are countless Android devices. Also, UI/UX and hardware compatibility checks require more effort.
• Open Architecture: Offers greater flexibility for adding custom features, but this means increased development time and QA costs.
• Lower Monetization Rate: Android apps don’t generate as much revenue (as Android users don’t spend as much money on apps). Hence, healthcare companies may have to use a freemium or insurance-based model to boost ROI.

In closing, healthcare providers wanting to target a larger user base (different countries and devices) must consider Android app development. To build a healthcare app like Sehhaty on Android, companies should expect to invest anywhere from $20,000 to $120,000 in development. Hidden costs include security hardening, extended QA cycles, and fragmentation-related maintenance.

Cross-Platform App Development

By using cross-platform frameworks like Flutter, React Native, and Xamarin, developers can write code that runs flawlessly on iOS and Android devices. This approach is perfect for companies looking to save money and speed up their development process. Although it may not be the ideal approach to develop an advanced healthcare app like Sehhaty, cross-platform development enables companies to create an MVP product. They can add features later if required.

Cost Drivers

• Since cross-platform developers only have to work on a single codebase, development and maintenance costs go down by 30 to 40 percent.
• Performance Limitations: May not deliver performance equivalent to native apps, especially for intensive features such as real-time virtual consultations.
• Plugin Dependency: Excessive dependence on third-party plugins may compromise data safety, cause compatibility issues, and create support limitations.

Overall, cross-platform apps may not be suitable for creating healthcare apps like Sehhaty. While they may be a solid choice for MVP or proof-of-concept applications that need a whirlwind launch, companies must be ready to invest $15,000 to $100,000 for cross-platform development. Don’t forget the hidden costs, which can include performance trade-offs, over-dependency on framework updates, and compliance challenges.

8) Development Team Size and Location

As stated in one of the points above, salaries paid to the development team can take up a huge chunk of the overall app development costs. Companies wanting to develop a healthcare app like Sehhaty should ask themselves the following questions-

• Is it better to go with onshore, offshore, or outsourcing development?
• Should I opt for freelancers or a dedicated app development team?
• What about hiring a team from Europe, the UAE, or from countries like the Philippines and India?

If you are planning to team up with a healthcare app development company in Saudi Arabia, be prepared to spend anywhere between $20,000 to $300,000. Now, that is a big expense for a lot of companies. The development cost can vary widely, depending on several factors, like how complex the app is, third-party integration requirements, plus the security and scalability demands. Developers usually have a standard fee structure for these projects.

Let’s compare the development cost in other geographies.

• Cost to hire developers in the USA - $100 - $180/hour and $400,000 - $800,000 for entire apps.
• Cost to hire developers in Europe -  $70 - $130/hour and $300,000 - $650,000 for entire apps.
• Cost to hire developers in India - $25 - $70/hour and $100,000 - $250,000 for entire apps.

For sure, outsourcing tasks to various countries can result in increased productivity and superior products. But bear in mind, this strategy could take a turn for the worse if the app development company does not ensure proper communication and stay on top of project deadlines.

9) Maintenance and Updates

Many healthcare companies may think they can relax after developing an app and that they will sit back and count millions of dollars. The truth is that the grind never stops. Developers, security engineers, and other professionals will have to step up their game. Tackling security threats, fixing bugs, rolling out new features, and ensuring scalability to keep up with the ever-evolving business needs is a constant challenge.

Keeping the software updated and addressing errors regularly can lighten the maintenance load. However, these efforts require more than just human labor, they may require significant spending. Having a long-term maintenance plan in place prevents huge one-time costs. Below is an approximate estimate of the maintenance and update costs to maintain a healthcare app like Sehhaty.

Note that the above figures are just to give companies a rough idea of how much it costs to create a healthcare app like Sehhaty. Smaller and medium-sized apps may require less maintenance. It is best to consult a reputed healthcare app development company in Saudi Arabia.

10 Types of Healthcare Apps in 2025

Below are some of the most common types of healthcare apps. Based on specific business needs and target audience, companies can design the ideal healthcare app to achieve their goals.

1. Telemedicine Apps

Purpose - Enables virtual doctor-patient consultations through video and audio calls.

Development Cost - $80,000–$150,000

2. Appointment Booking Apps

Purpose - Users can easily schedule, reschedule, or cancel medical appointments.

Development Cost -  $40,000–$80,000

3. Medical Record/EMR Apps

Purpose - Helps both patients and doctors access and manage electronic medical records.

Development Cost -  $100,000–$200,000

4. Medication Reminder Apps

Purpose - Reminds patients to take their prescribed medications on time.

Development Cost - $20,000–$40,000

5. Fitness and Wellness Apps

Purpose: Tracks patients’ physical activity, diet, sleep, and overall wellness metrics.

Development Cost - $30,000–$70,000

6. Mental Health Apps

Purpose - Provides tools for therapy, mood tracking, and access to counselors.

Development Cost - $60,000–$120,000

7. Chronic Disease Management Apps

Purpose - Monitors and supports users dealing with long-term conditions like diabetes or hypertension.

Development Cost - $70,000–$150,000

8. Health Insurance Apps

Purpose - Helps users manage policies, claims, and coverage details.

Development Cost - $70,000–$130,000

9. Medical eCommerce Apps

Purpose - Users can purchase medicines, health devices, or supplements through these apps.

Development Cost - $60,000–$120,000

10. Healthcare CRM Apps

Purpose - Assists clinics/hospitals in managing patient relationships and engagement.

Development Cost - $90,000–$180,000

Hidden Costs Involved In Creating an App Like Sehhaty In Saudi Arabia

In the above sections, we have already covered hidden costs like security and compliance, maintenance, and third-party integrations. However, some hidden costs may slowly eat into the budget without companies even realizing it. Below are some hidden costs companies must consider while developing a healthcare app like Sehhaty.

Data Storage and Backups (HIPAA-Compliant)

• Includes monthly costs for secure storage of health records.
• Estimated Costs - $2000 - $10,000/month or $24000 - $120,000/year
• Why Companies Need It - HIPAA-compliant cloud services require significant financial investments compared to standard storage.

User Support

• Healthcare apps demand 24/7 support and training for medical staff and patient assistance.
• Estimated Costs - $30,000 - $100,000/year.
• Why Companies Need It - Automation alone is not enough. Healthcare users require real-time support.

App Store Compliance

• App Store compliance, Google Play, and compliance changes.
• Estimated Costs - $1,000 - $5,000/year.
• Why Companies Need It - App updates are necessary to manage ever-changing app-store policies (in the healthcare sector).

Downtime and Infrastructure Scaling

• Auto-scaling servers, load balancers, and a fault-tolerant infrastructure.
• Estimated Cost- Ranges from $10,000 - $50,000/annually.
• Why Companies Need It - Seamless 24/7 functioning is non-negotiable, as downtime can mean financial and reputation losses.

User Acquisition and Retention

• SEO, app store optimization, paid ads, and community outreach.
• Estimated Cost- $50,000 - $1,50,000/year.
• Why Companies Need It - An app is profitable only if people download and continue to use it.

Challenges Companies Face While Creating an App Like Sehhaty In Saudi Arabia

At this point, it should be obvious that launching a healthcare app like Sehhaty is far from simple. It requires in-depth research, strategic planning, and razor-sharp execution to guarantee the app’s success. Here is a quick rundown of the top 7 challenges companies encounter while creating an app like Sehhaty in Saudi Arabia.

1) System Integration

• Challenge - Connecting with multiple healthcare providers, including hospitals, insurers, clinics, and health databases.
• Solution - Use standardized APIs and middleware platforms to streamline integrations.

2) AI Ethics and Personalization

• Challenge - Ensure fair and unbiased AI recommendations.
• Solution - Train models on diverse data sets and ensure algorithm transparency.

3) Scalability and Performance

• Challenge - Support millions of users with real-time support and services.
• Solution - Leverage cloud infrastructure with autoscaling and load balancing.

4) Interoperability

• Challenge - Align with varying healthcare standards.
• Solution - Adopt global standards like FHIR and develop adaptable data models.

5) Localization and Accessibility

• Challenge - Meet diverse language and accessibility needs.
• Solution - Incorporate multilingual support and accessibility features from the first day.

6) Ever-Evolving User Expectations

• Challenge - Meet increasing demands such as AI assistants and wellness tracking.
• Solution - Constant feedback gathering and interaction through agile development.

7) High Costs

• Challenge - Development, maintenance, and security can be expensive.
• Solution - Use modular development, open-source components, and phased rollouts.

Wrapping Up

We know it was a long read. It was a sincere effort to make this guide as informative and explanatory as possible. Let’s summarize the costs of developing a healthcare app like Sehhaty in Saudi Arabia. Modern healthcare applications require revolutionary features like telehealth consultations, payment gateway integrations, and health record management. At the same time, companies must also ensure robust regulatory compliance while integrating with local databases and platforms.

So much work for one app, healthcare app development is challenging for sure. The cost to build a healthcare app like Sehhaty can be anywhere between $2,00,000 to $5,00,000+. The more features and integrations, the greater the cost. Nonetheless, companies must understand which features they need and how they can meet customer expectations. Having clear goals in mind and approaching each stage with a clear plan of action can help control costs and emerge victorious.

Understand that developing an app like Sehhaty should not be your agenda if you lack the budget, or if you’re a startup or a mid-size company. Mid-size companies and small enterprises must choose an app that fits into their budget while having the right features to propel their business forward. Confused about how to proceed with healthcare mobile app development?

At Hyperlink InfoSystem, we are proud to be among the top app development companies in Saudi Arabia. With more than 12 years of experience and a track record of over 5000+ satisfied clients, we have the technical know-how and expertise to help you realize your app development objectives. Over the past decade, we have launched over 3000 apps for clients spanning diverse sectors such as gaming, fintech, manufacturing, food and beverage, e-commerce, education, and more.

From planning and research, development to app launch, we will be your development partner. By setting clear deadlines from the start, we ensure 100% transparency and faster product time to market. Are you ready to enter the healthcare market with a bespoke, groundbreaking app? Hyperlink InfoSystem is here to serve. Reach out to one of our experts to find out what we can do for you.

Schedule a Consultation Now!