Officials: Shortage of qualified Saudi doctors ails health sector
The ministry blamed the shortage on the insufficient number of health and medical graduates, among other things
With the implementation of various expansion projects in the health sector, the Ministry of Health’s 2012-2013 report shows that there is a shortage of qualified Saudi doctors, nurses and other medical and health staff, Makkah daily reported on Saturday.
The ministry blamed the shortage on the insufficient number of health and medical graduates, employment of foreigners over Saudis due to their qualifications and an insufficient number of training workshops.
Additionally, authorities said inadequate scholarships, limited postgraduate studies in the health and medical fields, low and unattractive salaries offered and the complicated bureaucracy of employment also added to the shortage.
The ministry encouraged the private sector to open more health and medical sciences colleges.
It said the education sector must take into account the technological and medical advancements in the health field to make its graduates appealing to prospective employers.
Last week, a report by the National Society for Human Rights (NSHR) revealed several human rights violations and shortcomings in the health sector in the Kingdom.
The NSHR said health services in the Kingdom need drastic improvements.
A version of this article was first published in the Saudi Gazette on Dec.21 2014.
Also Read
-
Saudi banks in strong health, says central bank chief
Their combined capital adequacy ratio was 17.8 percent at the end of the second quarter this year Banking & Finance -
Despite health risks, Saudis continue to prefer consanguineous marriages
Consanguineous unions have long been proven to increase the risk of congenital/genetic disorders, yet despite what modern science tells us, many ... Art and culture -
Saudi tested for Ebola as epidemic spreads
Health ministry says the man, a Saudi in his 40s, was at a hospital in the Red Sea city of Jeddah Middle East -
Initial tests on dead Saudi man ‘negative’ for Ebola
Saudi Arabia's health ministry says that initial tests on a dead Saudi citizen suspected of having contracted Ebola had returned negative Middle East -
Saudi issues new regulations for sex correction
Saudi health ministry stipulates medical investigations ahead of surgery Middle East -
Saudi health ministry: No hajj and umrah visas for three African nations
The ministry coordinates with the ministries of Hajj and Foreign Affairs to take all necessary measures at borders and airports Middle East -
Saudi health minister: Coronavirus on the wane
The statements came during a meeting to review the ministry's 10-year strategy to combat diseases and provide better health care to the citizens Middle East
