Okaz/Saudi Gazette TAIF — The Ministry of Health has given the green light for women to work in pharmacies and herbal medicine stores. A source said the ministry will start issuing licenses to women wishing to work in pharmacies, herbal medicine stores and optical shops inside shopping centers. They will not work in these shops along side men. Women will form the entire staff in these shops, said the source. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labor and Social Development will be closely monitoring the work environment and its safety, said the source. Former member of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) Aisha Natto said she supports employing women in pharmacies and stores selling prescription eyeglasses. "I have criticized the Ministry of Health before for only allowing men to work in optical stores. Women also study ophthalmology. Some 60 female ophthalmologists graduated from King Saud University versus only eight male ophthalmologists," said Natto. "I am not claiming anything that goes against religion or social traditions. Women should be empowered to overcome unemployment and the country already allows women to specialize in the field of ophthalmology," said Natto. There are around 13,000 women who are fully qualified to work in optical stores.
