Tamkeen announces financing programme for doctors’ education

TDT | Manama                                   

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Labour Fund (Tamkeen) is accepting applications for the financing of doctors’ education as part of a comprehensive set of initiatives designed to support medical professionals. Under this latest initiative, Tamkeen will finance doctors looking to pursue advanced academic studies and attain master's degrees and fellowships in their desired specialisations.

To accomplish this, Tamkeen will collaborate with a group of partner banks and has already signed the first agreement with Al Baraka Islamic Bank. Tamkeen’s financial support covers 100% of the profits of the financing during the grace period and 50% of the profits during the repayment period.

Applicants must secure approval from the partner bank after verifying their academic programme's accreditation with the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA). Tamkeen’s Chief Executive, Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, said the initiative reflects the organisation's dedication to supporting the development of a highly skilled national workforce.

Bahrain’s National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mariam Adhbi Al Jalahma, praised Tamkeen’s initiatives to promote the employment of Bahraini doctors and facilitate their professional advancement.

The Deputy CEO of the Support Group of Al Baraka Islamic Bank, Khaled AlAli, said the initiative aims to empower them through access to financing solutions, which will in turn allow for the further development of the overall healthcare industry in Bahrain.

Other initiatives for Bahraini doctors and dentists at private clinics and hospitals include recent graduates and job seekers recommended by the Ministry of Labour. These healthcare professionals will receive a wage of no less than BD800, with wages supported at varying percentages (70%, 50%, or 30%) for a period of three years.

The second initiative aims to support the wages of doctors currently working for private sector hospitals through the doctor’s track under the Train & Grow programme. This aims to raise the salaries of doctors earning less than BD800, with Tamkeen covering 100% of the increase for a period of 12 months.

Lastly, the third initiative seeks to encourage private sector healthcare institutions to employ more Bahraini doctors and maintain a Bahrainization rate of at least 25% for their doctors and dentists.