RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Canada have signed a health agreement that will see a greater exchange of expertise and technical knowledge between the two countries. Dr. Abdullah Rabeah, Minister of Health, and Peter Van Loan, the visiting Canadian Minister of International Trade, signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Riyadh, Tuesday. At a joint press conference afterwards, Rabeah said the MoU will pave the way for further bilateral cooperation. “We are happy today to have signed an MoU between the two governments in the healthcare sector. It is a general understanding in terms of areas related to the exchange of medical expertise including human resources, training and scholarship, education and research and building experience in commissioning hospitals from designing, construction to equipping with state-of-the-art medical facilities,” said Rabeah. Van Loan underscored the significance of the MoU saying that it will facilitate partnership in the healthcare sector between the two countries. It will give impetus to the development plan of the Saudi health sector. The Canadian healthcare system, which includes companies doing business in the areas of medicine and medical technology, is recognized as among the world's best. Van Loan said about 3,500 Saudi doctors have completed postgraduate studies in Canada including Al-Rabeah. “Dr. Al-Rabeah, a world class doctor, trained in Canada, is an example of our pride and reflects what Canada can do in healthcare,” he added. He said about 800 Saudi doctors are currently studying at various Canadian universities and hospitals. “My understanding of the MoU is that it will allow a maximum level of cooperation with healthcare institutions in areas of constructing facilities, medical supplies, and the training and exchange of healthcare professionals,” he said. “I can tell you that Canadian companies working in healthcare – as well as many other sectors – are very excited about doing more business with our Saudi partners,” said Van Loan. Rania Hassan, Trade Commissioner, Canadian Embassy in Riyadh, said the time has been reduced for processing visas for Saudi nationals and students, from a few weeks to only two to three weeks.Canada has waived the medical check-up requirement for Saudis applying for Canadian visas. There is also no need for Saudis to appear for personal interviews, except in certain cases, she said. “Saudi businessmen are issued with five-year multiple entry visas,” she added. Around 1,000 Canadian doctors are currently working in the Kingdom's healthcare institutions.
