"These programs will include 400 short-term courses spread throughout the year for all officers attached to the ministry," Al-Rabeeah said, pointing out that the programs are meant to improve the quality of services offered by health officials to people who come for medical treatment at ministry hospitals.
The areas of training would include health education, public relations, technical and medical support and attending to emergency situations.
The minister said the program is being introduced according to a decision from the council of ministers, which was interested in developing local human resources in the Kingdom. He requested all employees to participate in these programs for the benefit of the nation.
Ali Al-Qahtani, ministry undersecretary for human resources development, said following a ministry directive his department had formed an Advisory Committee to facilitate the training programs.
The committee comprises representatives from the Saudi Commission For Health Specialties, King Abdullah Institute For Research and Consulting Studies and King Saud University.
The Ministry of Health has already entered into a contract with GE Healthcare for setting up a state-of-the art training center to conduct these programs in Riyadh.
