BAHRAINI medics volunteering on the frontlines during the Covid-19 outbreak will be the first choice for permanent jobs when they become available in the health sector.
Health Ministry Under-Secretary Dr Waleed Al Manea yesterday said expatriate workers were on ‘temporary contracts’ which would end once the pandemic is under control.
Dr Al Manea was speaking about frontline healthcare volunteers – part of the thousands of people who responded to government’s call as part of a national awareness campaign in March last year.
Proud
“The ministry is proud of the nation’s volunteers, especially the frontline workers who have written the finest examples of service to the country and its people during the coronavirus pandemic,” said Dr Al Manea.
“Priority of employment will be given to them (Bahraini volunteers) based on job vacancies, qualifications and experience in the health sector.
“The ministry is currently completing recruitment procedures according to the civil service laws and regulations for many of them, depending on the available vacancies.”
The GDN reported last year that more than 12,700 people signed up to volunteer in the first few hours of registration opening as Bahrain stepped up its fight to contain the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19). Bahrainis and residents were given the option to register via a designated website, volunteers.gov.bh, for volunteering roles in different fields such as health services, logistical support, field work, call centre, fundraising activities, administration and deliveries.
Dr Al Manea also noted that “a limited number” of foreign workers were hired during the pandemic on temporary contracts.
“Expatriates are working in specialised fields for which qualified Bahrainis are currently not available,” he said.
“The present situation does not allow time for training Bahrainis in these fields.
“These contracts (of expatriates) will be cancelled by the end of the pandemic.
“Bahraini workforce is our first option and the Health Ministry is keen to provide them with jobs that match their educational qualifications and practical experience.”
The GDN reported in January on Health Minister Faeqa Al Saleh stating that nearly 400 Bahraini nurses were employed in 2019-2020, with expatriates being recruited only to make up for a shortage during the pandemic.
The expat nurses were hired temporarily, for six months, to work in the emergency and infectious diseases departments, she said in response to MP Zainab Abdulameer who questioned the hiring process at the ministry. The MP noted that around 30,000 volunteers reportedly stepped forward during the pandemic, including some with nursing degrees.
Ms Al Saleh said the ministry needed specialists in several categories and expats were hired on a temporary basis to make up for the shortage.
She also said that priority will always be given to Bahrainis.
The minister added that the hiring process continues depending on requirements, openings and available positions, with the jobs announced in the local and international media.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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