JEDDAH — Female doctors demand early work hours to be able to balance between work and family responsibilities. Jeddah Health Affairs Family Medicine Consultant Dr. Manal Shams said Minister of Health Tawfiq Al-Rabiah received a number of demands from female doctors practicing at hospitals in the private sector. "Doctors proposed that the excellence allowance should continue as it encourages them to put in extra hours to volunteer in health campaigns and organize national and international conferences," said Shams. She also said many of the female doctors proposed that their working hours start at 8:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m. instead of starting at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m. "Many of the doctors are wives and mothers and they struggle to balance between work and family. They would prefer starting their day early to end it early. Traffic is less condensed at 4:00 p.m. than 5:00 p.m., which enables them to reach home much earlier," said Shams. King Abdullah Medical Complex Optics Department Head Dr. Sirine Jowharji said private sector doctors expressed their dissatisfaction with the ministry's decision to prohibit night shifts for them. "The ministry will review its decision after listening to the private sector doctors wishing to have equal opportunities with public sector doctors. The private sector doctors believe they can offer more to Saudi society and improve its health development by being able to work during day and night shifts," said Jowharji. Al-Misayidiyah Children's and Maternity Hospital Pediatrician Dr. Huda Al-Hussami said many of the patients who visit private sector health institutions have health insurance. "It would extremely beneficial for private sector doctors to work during night shifts. Many of the patients will need 24 hour medical service. The doctors are willing to work during night shifts. The ministry should also ensure that there is equal placement of doctors in all areas of the city," said Al-Hussami.
