BREAKING STORY: Saudi Arabia Recruits Nigerian Doctors amidst Strike

The government of Saudi Arabia is taking advantage of the ongoing industrial action by doctors in Nigeria, to recruit specialists. The Saudi government has contracted an Abuja firm – Meed Consultants, for the exercise that Wil hold today, Tuesday August 24, 2021. Doctors in different specialties are needed under a programme tagged – ‘Saudi Ministry of Health Doctors Recruitment August 2021.’ Those to be interviewed have already registered on the agency’s website for recruitment interview. The Saudis may have targeted the unbridled relationship between Nigerian doctors and government to stage their head-hunt, coming at a time resident doctors under the aegis of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors have down their tools. There are reports of denial by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, where he claimed ignorance to the exercise. He was quoted to have directed reporters to the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire for clarification. “I am not aware of that. You can please contact the Minister of Health. His ministry is in charge of doctors.” minister stressed. Ngige reportedly said. Those shortlisted for the interview are doctors in the field of anaesthesia, ICU, paediatrics surgery, family medicine (consultants only), obstetrics and gynaecology, ENT, Emergency medicine, all sub-specialties (surgery), all sub-specialties (internal medicine), orthopaedic surgery, Ophthalmology, Radiology as well as Haematology and Histopathology. Calls to Dr. Ehanire’s phone were not answered as at the time of going to press. NARD President , Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi, told reporters that doctors were free to take advantage of the exercise since the Nigerian government had failed to fulfill its promises. He added that there was no benefit for any doctor still practising in Nigeria, saying those who were staying back were only being patriotic. “Everybody is free to do whatever he/she wants. The government has not fulfilled its promises to the health sector. Those who stay behind are only doing so because of patriotism, not as if there is any benefit or something.”