RIYADH, 31 August 2004 — There is so much to learn and gain from the Saudi Arabian health care system which is a microcosm of the best in the world, according to Mohamed Sultan, pioneer Malaysian international health care consultant.
“Contrary to the brain drain syndrome experienced by most developing countries when their nationals take on overseas jobs, they are gone for good,” Sultan, who is also the founder and CEO of Melorita Consultants Group, said that the “Malaysian experience has been that of a ‘Brain Drain,’ ‘Bread Gain’ and ‘Country Gain’ as Malaysians who have gone abroad all come back with added expertise and financial well-being following ambassadorial service to the country.”
Talking about manpower in the Kingdom, Sultan said the talents of the Saudi multinational work force (of 30-40 nationalities) come from varied backgrounds. “The Saudi workforce works in a modern health care system. This is a unique experience that is not found anywhere in the world,” Sultan said, adding that the free accommodation, recreational facilities and professional development opportunities are very generous.
Sultan, who has been associated with Saudi Arabia for over 25 years, said Malaysian nurses, doctors, and technologists who have served in the Kingdom have benefited themselves and the country in many ways.
These benefits include the ability to earn and save, technology know-how transfer, foreign exchange remittances, tourism promotion, performing Umrah, among others.
“Returning to Malaysia and sought after by the local Malaysian hospitals are a testimony to the mutual benefits of the Saudi overseas experience,” he said.