Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Investors responded positively to the Ministry of Health's decision to issue licenses to allow women to work in pharmacies in shopping centers. Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) Pharmacy Committee member Abdulaziz Khoujah said the ministry's decision is a positive step as there are many pharmacology graduates who are in need of jobs. JCCI Pharmacy Committee member Nizar Al-Sharif called it a good step. "Pharmacies in shopping centers usually sell cosmetics products. Only 30 percent of the products are medicines," he said. Pharmacies investor Talal Al-Harthy said that the number of women pharmacists in the Kingdom requires more job opportunities. Women should also be trained intensively for a minimum of three months before they can work in a pharmacy. Shoura Council member Mohsen Al-Hazmy said the ministry's decision is a positive one. Deputy Manager of a shopping center in Madinah Faris Al-Faridi said the shopping center plans to open a new pharmacy. "From our surveys we have gathered that our visitors need a pharmacy. Many women would prefer to interact with a female pharmacist. Most of our visitors are women and shopping centers are safe places for women to work," said Al-Faridi. Shopping center manager Abdullah Salamah said that many women are already working in shopping centers. "I see no objection to women working in pharmacies in shopping centers. The decision is a positive one, and I see no negative repercussions," said Salamah. Labor and Social Development Special Programs Assistant Deputy Minister Abdulmunim Al-Shihry said the decision to employ women in pharmacies in shopping centers is optional and not compulsory on pharmacies.
