Saudization rates raised in four healthcare professions
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia started implementing a decision to raise localization rates in four healthcare professions in the private sector effective from Thursday, April 17.
According to the decision, Saudization rates have set at 65 percent in radiology; 80 percent in therapeutic nutrition and physiotherapy; and 70 percent in medical laboratories.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, announced the implementation of the first phase of the decision to raise Saudization rates in these professions in the private sector, in accordance with approved professional definitions and titles.
The minimum wages for specialists and technicians have been set at SR7,000 and SR5,000 respectively. The first phase of the decision applies to all establishments employing one or more workers in the major cities of Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, Dammam, and Al-Khobar. It also applies to large and mega establishments in the rest of the Kingdom's regions.
The second phase of implementation will come into effect on October 17, 2025, covering the remaining establishments in various regions across the Kingdom.
This decision comes within the framework of the two ministries' efforts to enhance the participation of national competencies in the labor market and provide stimulating and productive job opportunities for male and female citizens across the Kingdom, in support of the objectives of the labor market strategy and the health sector transformation program.
The MHRSD confirmed that it has published procedural guidelines on its website to clarify the details of the decision and the required Saudization rates, calling on all establishments to adhere to the implementation of this directive so as to avoid the legal penalties imposed on violators.
This decision complements efforts to localize healthcare professions. The Ministry of Health is monitoring the implementation of the decision in line with labor market needs. Private sector establishments will also benefit from the support and incentive programs offered by the Human Resources and Social Development System, which include support for recruitment, training, qualification, employment, and career continuity. They will also receive priority access to Saudization support programs and the Human Resources Development Fund's (HADAF) programs.
© Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
10 hours ago
- Zawya
Digital health solutions for non-communicable disease care in Zimbabwe
Sharing data in real time to make critical health care decisions Connecting rural and remote communities to Zimbabwe 's primary health system used to include delays of up to one month and loads of paperwork. Now, with the support of UNICEF and partners, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has equipped Village Health Workers with data-driven tools to make timely and lifesaving health care decisions. Digital health solutions like the use of a smartphone to transmit patient data in real time have empowered these workers to improve outcomes for children living with non-communicable diseases. Village Health Workers, trained volunteers who provide essential health and nutrition services to families and children, often work in remote areas that have limited access to health facilities. In the past, they recorded patient notes during their rounds that were then shared with the public health system, often long after the visit. 'We used to compile reports in a book which we would submit at the clinic at the end of the month. Now it is smoother and faster. Cellphones have been a game-changer,' says 52-year-old Margaret Denhera, a Village Health Worker in Luwana, Zimbabwe. Village Health Workers in Zimbabwe receive regular training on the digital medical equipment and devices they use on their rounds. © UNICEF 'I move around the village collecting information on non-communicable diseases. At the end of the day, I punch it into my phone,' says Denhera. She sends the data to the nearest health facility about 10 miles away. As the front line in Zimbabwe's public health system, Village Health Workers are often the first to identify non-communicable diseases like high blood pressure, chronic respiratory illness, cancer and diabetes. These diseases disproportionately affect people in developing countries, leading to the death of nearly 1 million people under age 20 each year worldwide. In Zimbabwe, NCDs are on the rise. Non-communicable diseases: A growing burden on Zimbabwe's health system Many, but by no means all, NCDs are preventable and treatable with early intervention and education on risk factors like excessive alcohol, inactivity, poor nutrition and tobacco use. Left undetected and untreated, NCDs can rapidly become life-threatening. Village Health Workers educate families on these risky behaviors and are trained to detect and test for NCDs on their rounds. The prompt reporting of a patient's symptoms to the nearest health facility can save a child's life. 'Village health workers are our foot soldiers,' says Yemurai Chamburuka, a primary care nurse at Patchway Clinic. 'When they see patients with abnormalities, they can easily call us or send the data by phone. It is to our advantage because we have the information as early as possible rather than waiting until the end of the month,' she says. 'If, during my checkup rounds, I test someone and observe, say, abnormal blood glucose levels, which is a sign of some non-communicable diseases, I refer the person to the clinic and send their test results ahead,' Denhera explains. Clinic nurses can review the real-time data and develop an action plan before the patient even reaches the facility. Video: Digitizing health systems in Zimbabwe Because they come to know their clients and their environment so well, Village Health Workers often identify trends or potential disease outbreaks in their recordkeeping. The data they capture in real time is analyzed so that public health officials and policymakers can respond swiftly and efficiently. Dr. Robert Gongora, a digital health specialist who has led implementation of the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) Electronic Health Records (EHR) system since 2017, commends the seamless flow of patient information. 'With more and more connectivity, we begin to learn immediately what's happening in that area because the moment we receive the information, we plan for that client ahead of arrival,' he says. Dr. Justice Mudavanhu, National Coordinator for Non-Communicable Diseases in the MoHCC, says the Ministry's head office uses VHW-submitted data to map the country's response to the growing incidence of childhood NCDs. 'In the program, we have technical experts who apply evidence-based interventions that help us to develop guidelines, standard operating procedures, algorithms and strategies for chronic diseases in children,' he said during a recent tour of rural Zimbabwe. Digital tools help identify and map disease incidence for better intervention 'There are systems at community level, at health facility level, and, as you go up, there are non-location-specific systems that enable data visualization. When we know what we are facing, we can target and measure our interventions better,' Dr. Mudavanhu adds. 'It's better not to shoot in the dark, especially where resource allocation is concerned.' We call them 'Digital Health Workers.' — Dr. Robert Gongora, Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care Equitable access to health care requires decision-making based on accurate and timely data. Authorities see vital interlinkages between the MoHCC digitization program and UNICEF's support for capacity building of the public health system. UNICEF, with the support of partners, is helping the MoHCC revolutionize community-based primary health care to strengthen NCD diagnosis, prevention and treatment within primary health care and referral facilities. Dr. Gongora suggests the title 'Village Health Worker' is outdated. Instead, he says, they should be called 'Digital Health Workers.' This vital work is made possible by a donation from Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) to UNICEF USA. UNICEF is strengthening health systems and preventing, detecting and treating NCDs for children and adolescents in Bangladesh, Malawi, Nepal, India, the Philippines and Zimbabwe. © Copyright The Zimbabwean. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
South Sudan: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and Ministry of Health launch newly constructed neonatal ward at Aweil State Hospital to improve care for sick newborns and premature babies
Seeking to improve access to medical care for sick, low birth weight, and premature babies in South Sudan's Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal State, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and South Sudan's Ministry of Health on 4 June 2025 opened a newly-built 40-bed neonatal inpatient ward at Aweil State Hospital. The new structure replaces the former 33-bed neonatal ward, which was frequently overcrowded with over 45 babies admitted at once and lacked enough room for critical care like resuscitation. "We had a neonatal ward, but it was always full or over its capacity," says Denis Mbae, MSF project coordinator for Aweil. "This new building, which is also closer to the maternity ward, will limit the distance that mothers have to walk to breastfeed their babies, while holding better equipment and amenities. "The new ward has increased capacity and improved design, with necessary space for incubators and life-support equipment to better support vulnerable infants whose vital organs may not be fully developed. Mothers will also have dedicated space for Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), promoting skin-to-skin contact vital for low-birth-weight infants, which has proven to help improve health outcomes of babies in this condition. This specialized unit, the only one of its kind in the state, offers spacious environments designed for infection prevention, improved monitoring, and better working conditions for staff. The building will also provide a space for neonates under one roof, allowing for better follow-up and monitoring. MSF has supported Aweil State Hospital since 2008, providing paediatric and maternity services in a region where many people face challenges accessing timely care due to limited peripheral health services and difficulty in finding proper transportation. In 2024, MSF assisted in delivery of 7,664 babies at Aweil State Hospital. The upgrade reinforces MSF's commitment to enhancing access to health care for better outcomes for vulnerable families in South Sudan. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).
Zawya
4 days ago
- Zawya
Egypt: eHealth, Health Ministry forge partnership to enhance National Digital Health System
Arab Finance: eHealth, a sister company of e-finance for Digital and Financial Investments, signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Health and Population to operate and manage Egypt's National Digital Health System, according to a press release. The joint agreement aims to empower the ministry to develop a comprehensive roadmap for digital transformation in the healthcare sector. The strategic partnership includes integration with the Universal Health Insurance System, boosting governance, and ensuring interoperability of data across public, regulatory, and private stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem. Moreover, the two sides will collaborate to develop an ideal investment model to promote key private-sector partnerships and encourage financial institutions to contribute to the financing of the digital healthcare infrastructure. Ibrahim Sarhan, Chairman of e-finance, highlighted the urgent need to accelerate digital transformation in the healthcare system. Sarhan expected a positive impact on Egypt's healthcare sector, lauding its contribution to improving the quality of services provided to all citizens. © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
