Jordanian Labor Watch
The Association of Foreign Board and Highest Specialty Doctors Threatens Escalation, Including Legal Action, if Demands Remain Unaddressed.
During a recent General Assembly meeting at the Professional Associations complex, members of the "Holders of Foreign Board and Highest Specialty Doctors" association expressed their intention to resort to escalating measures, including legal action, if their demands are not met.
The association's administration was granted authorization to actively pursue their demands with the Health Ministry and the Jordan Medical Association. Additionally, they have invited the Jordan Medical Council to convene and address the issues at hand.
The matter arose in August when the Jordan Medical Council passed and approved Article 17 of the draft law for the year 2022.
Article 17 of the draft amendment stated that doctors who obtained foreign boards before December 13, 2001, and returned to work in the kingdom would not be required to undergo verification until they obtained a degree from the Jordanian Board Exam.
However, the amendment stipulates that doctors with foreign boards are granted the right to practice in Jordan only if they have continuously practiced medicine under their specialties for at least 3 years abroad in the country where they completed their residency.
Approximately 400 male and female doctors perceive this as discriminatory treatment compared to their colleagues, which they believe undermines the expertise of healthcare professionals in Jordanian hospitals. Dr. Abdullah Al-Batarneh expressed this viewpoint during an interview with the Jordanian Labor Watch, representing the foreign board-holders.
Article 17 of the draft law also imposed restrictions on doctors holding the highest specialty certificates who have successfully completed their residency period in Jordan. As they were granted the new job title of "qualified specialist," which is one degree lower than a specialist. However, they have not received any of the financial and administrative privileges that typically accompany this designation.
They also demand that the Jordan Medical Council grant them the necessary permits and licenses to practice. It is estimated that around 200 male and female doctors fall under this category.
According to Dr. Abdullah Al-Duwairi, a member of the association, healthcare doctors face multiple challenges. They are unable to practice their profession outside Jordan or after retirement, and they are deprived of career development opportunities due to the lack of proper accreditation.