Saturday, the Minister of Health Nathir Obeidat announced during his inspection tour of hospitals in Balqa that the Kingdom suffers from a scarcity of subspecialist doctors, adding that despite the presence of many distinguished doctors, job opportunities in other countries attract them more. 

Obeidat noted that 34 percent of the medical graduates from the Jordan University of Science and Technology received job offers from several countries including the United States, countries in Europe, and the Gulf states.

He added that the ministry is keen to ensure that Balqa hospitals are distinguished in terms of the medical and treatment services they provide.

Additionally, Obeidat indicated that hospitals such as Al-Salt Hospital in Balqa are suffering from shortages in medical personnel. He said that solutions will be provided by the ministry from the Al-Salt Hospital. These solutions include signing an agreement with Al-Balqa Applied University, whereby professors of the Faculty of Medicine are attracted to work in the hospital full-time.

Moreover, cadres will be appointed according to the hospital's needs after the budget is approved according to vacancies. Notably, people of the province will be prioritized to fill job vacancies.

It is reported that a committee had been formed to list the hospital’s needs for all types of medical personnel, including medical, nursing, and logistical staff.

Balqa deputies stressed the importance of providing hospitals with the required medical staff as Balqa is suffering from severe shortages which affect the provision of medical services, and leads to overcrowding and congestion in hospitals, especially in the emergency departments and outpatient clinics.