TAIF: Over 300 doctors at state university medical colleges have threatened to resign if a Health Services Council ban on university medics working in the private sector comes into effect, sources have said. Saudi Gazette reported on Dec. 4 that the Council had backed the move, which is opposed by the Ministry of Higher Education, and that it would now require approval from “higher authorities”. Sources said Saturday that it has now been submitted for approval. The Ministry of Higher Education reportedly opposes the ban fearing an exodus of highly-trained doctors to the private sector which it believes could severely affect education at colleges. Sources say the ministry is further concerned that patients will suffer if they are denied the attention of university staff, as will external clinics and laboratories where teaching staff also habitually acquire experience and practice. “The ministry is also concerned that it could lose able staff from medicine faculties, and that this would affect education standards, particularly with the number of medical faculties on the increase,” they said. Abdulillah Banaja, President of Taif University, however, said that doctors at government colleges and faculties are given incentives and perks that should encourage them to stay if the ban comes into force, but suggested the problem could be handled. A source at the National Society for Human Rights said decisions of this nature should be thoroughly examined before their introduction. “Doctors have the right to work in the private sector, if they have the time,” he said. Current regulations permit medicine faculty doctors to work in the private sector in part-time consultancy.
