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Sameera Rajab

Bahrain plans new scheme for medical students

MANAMA, October 13, 2014

A new scheme will be put in place to train newly graduated medical students before being employed by Bahrain’s Health Ministry.

The Cabinet yesterday (October 12) approved a proposal, presented by Health Minister Sadiq Al Shehabi, to stop hiring graduates before undergoing training, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Under the existing system, all graduates are eligible to work at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) for a monthly pay of BD500 ($1,287) under a rotation system, regardless of their qualifications or experience.

“The Health Ministry is looking to improve its employment standards of doctors and as explained by the minister concerned, it is necessary to enhance services presented at the ministry's facilities,” said Minister of State for Information Affairs and official government spokeswoman Sameera Rajab following yesterday's weekly Cabinet session.

“Opportunities will continue, but under a competitive nature to ensure the best are employed, and this approved new direction will not create a new line of unemployed doctors.

“There is a current problem because interns are considered as real doctors for a year even if they haven't passed exams or tests.

“There is a line that will be drawn between employment and training and that's what the Health Ministry is trying to achieve here.”

The Cabinet also discussed a proposal, by Transportation Minister and acting Economic Development Board chief executive Kamal Ahmed, to allow investment in private medical establishments.

“The new law aims to encourage the private sector to provide medical services in line with the best standards according to international criteria and quality assurances,” said Rajab.

It has been referred to the ministerial committee for legal affairs for study.

Meanwhile, Deputy Premier Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, who chaired yesterday's session, directed Mr Al Shehabi to follow up on developments regarding the deadly Ebola virus.

“Bahrain is keen on taking all precautionary measures and necessary awareness arrangements to ensure Bahrain is free from this disease,” added Rajab.

“Suspected individuals are not allowed to enter Bahrain and the issue is being carefully monitored by the Health Ministry with updates being posted regularly on its website regarding Ebola.”

The death toll in West Africa passed 4,000 for the first time in the World Health Organisation's count of confirmed and suspected Ebola cases.

The hardest-hit country is Liberia, where 2,316 people have succumbed to the disease.

The death toll in Sierra Leone and Guinea stands at nearly 1,000 respectively. - TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Training | Bahrain | medical | Student | scheme |

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