RIYADH, July 6. /Dunyo IA/.  Diplomats from the Embassy of Uzbekistan met with the Director of the Human Resources Department of the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia and the Director General of the “Vigour Locomotion Medical Center” rehabilitation center, Wadha bint Saad Al-Hajri, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

During the talks, the parties discussed issues of further expanding cooperation between the two countries in the field of healthcare, attracting Uzbek doctors and nurses to work in private medical institutions in Saudi Arabia, as well as implementing joint investment projects.

According to the Saudi side, the country's private hospitals and medical centers require approximately 4.5 thousand foreign doctors and nurses. In this regard, it was proposed to employ 100 medical workers from Uzbekistan at the first stage.

According to the proposed employment terms, the employer fully covers the costs of processing the iqama (residence and work permit), provides housing and pays for domestic transportation, medical insurance, as well as an annual air ticket.

The salary for young doctors will range from 4,500 to 5,600 Saudi riyals (approximately 1,200–1,500 US dollars), for experienced specialists from 5,600 to 9,300 riyals (1,500–2,500 dollars) and for nurses from 3,000 to 3,750 riyals (800–1,000 dollars).

The highest demand is observed for general practitioners, obstetrician-gynecologists, physiotherapists, dermatologists, child psychologists, as well as maxillofacial surgeons.

Representatives of the Saudi side noted the professional qualification, hard work, and discipline of Uzbek medical workers, emphasizing their interest in attracting such specialists. At the same time, it was noted that candidates who are fluent in English and strictly observe the standards of professional ethics are in particular demand.

Parties were also presented with a project for the construction of a modern multidisciplinary health and medical center (sanatorium) in Riyadh Province. The Saudi side invited Uzbek investors to participate in the implementation of this project.

In the event of its realization, it is planned to attract specialists from Uzbekistan - including builders, engineers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, driver and representatives of other professions. Moving forward, it is anticipated to create new jobs to ensure the operation of the sanatorium.

During the meeting, Wadha bint Saad Al-Hajri announced that she will visit Uzbekistan at the end of July this year as part of a delegation led by the Minister of Health of Saudi Arabia. Within the framework of the visit, meetings are scheduled with representatives of the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan, Migration Agency, as well as the “Zaamin” sanatorium, aimed at further developing bilateral cooperation.

Agreements reached are expected to become an important step toward elevating practical cooperation between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia in the field of healthcare to a qualitatively new level, expanding employment opportunities for qualified medical specialists from Uzbekistan and strengthening investment interaction between the two countries.