Medical Field Needs 28 Years for Full Saudization
Added On : 20th April 2012
RIYADH A top Saudi chamber official said that it would take at least 28 years to replace the overwhelming majority of foreign doctors with Saudis in the Kingdoms health sector.
Dr. Sami Al-Abdul Karim, chairman of the National Health Committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said Saudization in the health sector, including doctors and paramedical staff, makes up only 22 percent at present.
Speaking to a local Arabic daily, he noted that the private health sector is witnessing tremendous growth.
Before 10 years, the private sector represented only seven percent of the health sector. But now things have changed remarkably and the private sector makes up 32 percent of various health services being extended across the Kingdom, he said while adding that this sector is serving about 9 million Saudis and foreigners in the Kingdom.
Sami said the demand for Saudi doctors and paramedical staff in the Kingdoms health sector cannot be determined at present.
Their demand would continue until 2040 when Saudi cadets could accommodate the entire health sector. This is without considering the growth of both population, and the public and private health sector.
According to Sami, providers of health services in the private sector are basically investors who are working hard to offer the best possible medial services for payment whereas the public sector extends the service free of charge. Hence, the quality of service is the significant thing for any investors to continue their services, he said.
Speaking to the newspaper on the sidelines of the ongoing 3rd Saudi International Exhibition and Conference for Higher Education, Sami said that such events would have great advantages for both students who attend various higher education courses as well as their parents.
They get an opportunity to have close understanding about various courses and specialties offered by prestigious universities across the world. Minister of Higher Education Dr. Khalid Al-Anqari opened the four-day event at the Riyadh Exhibition Center on Tuesday. About 440 universities and higher education institutes from 30 countries are taking part in the event.
Saudi Gazette
