New Training Instructions for Resident doctors Spark Outcry in Jordan
The recent amendments to the local training instructions for resident doctors in Jordan have ignited widespread criticism within the medical community. The new provisions, which considerably reduce the number of leave days for doctors during their specialization stage, have been labeled as detrimental to both professional progress and personal well-being.
Previously, resident doctors were entitled to approximately 73 days of annual leave. Though, the amended instructions have slashed this to just 30 days.Furthermore, if a doctor is absent for more than 45 days, they face dismissal from the training program. This drastic reduction has raised concerns about its impact on doctors’ ability to prepare for residency exams,enroll in training courses,or even start families.
“Reducing these leaves will prevent many doctors from sitting for the residency exams held at the end of each year, or from enrolling in training courses. It will also prevent female doctors from having children during the training period, because they will be subject to dismissal after 45 days of being absent from work,” resident doctors stated.
The medical community has called for the withdrawal of these instructions, emphasizing the need for consultations between the Jordanian Medical Council, the Medical Syndicate, and resident doctors to reach a consensus that satisfies all parties.
Dr. Tariq Al-Khatib, a member of the Medical Syndicate Council, criticized the new instructions, stating, “although the Jordanian Medical Council took an aspiring step in preparing these instructions, it lacks the minimum real strategic understanding of the local training file for resident doctors on the ground.” He added, “The Council’s general perception regarding the instructions was present, but they lacked the practical vision to implement them on the ground, so the provisions for them were inadequate.”
Al-Khatib warned that the instructions, in their current form, represent a “blatant violation of the civil rights of doctors, especially female doctors,” and could have broader societal implications. He also highlighted the lack of stakeholder involvement in the drafting process, noting that the Medical Syndicate had submitted observations and proposals in June 2023, which were largely ignored.
The amended instructions also fail to address the need for study leaves, a common provision in international residency programs. These leaves allow doctors to prepare for exams or enroll in professional development courses, a critical aspect of their training.
According to Article Five of the amended instructions, a trainee doctor is entitled to 30 days of annual leave. However, if a doctor exceeds this limit by 15 days, they may face re-registration or dismissal, depending on the hospital’s discretion. A written warning is issued if the absence extends beyond 45 days, and dismissal is mandatory in such cases.
| key Provisions of the Amended Instructions |
|———————————————–|
| Annual Leave | Reduced from 73 days to 30 days |
| Absence Limit | Dismissal if absent for more than 45 days |
| Study Leaves | Not addressed in the new instructions |
| Stakeholder Involvement | Limited consultations with medical community |
Al-Khatib emphasized that the Council’s consultations were merely “formal dialogues,” as the concerns of stakeholders were not reflected in the final document.
The new instructions have sparked a heated debate about the balance between training requirements and the rights of resident doctors. As the medical community continues to voice its concerns, the Jordanian Medical Council faces mounting pressure to revisit the amendments and ensure they align with the needs of doctors and the broader healthcare system.Jordanian Resident Doctors Face Challenges as New Instructions Spark Controversy
The Jordanian Medical Council’s recent instructions regarding resident doctors have ignited widespread debate, with critics arguing that the new regulations fail to address the needs of those directly affected. According to Muhammad Bani Abdul rahman, a resident doctor and member of the Ministry of Health’s doctors’ committee, the instructions significantly reduce annual leave from 73 days to just 30 days, despite resident doctors working between 80 and 100 hours weekly.
“The resident doctor may face health, family, or other circumstances, but he will not be able to obtain any type of leave,” Bani Abdul Rahman explained. he emphasized that most annual leaves are taken for academic purposes, especially during residency exams held at the end of each year.
The new instructions have also raised concerns about their impact on female resident doctors. Maternity leave, previously set at 73 days, has been reduced, with demands for an increase to 90 days being ignored. This reduction could discourage many women from starting families and even lead to their dismissal from training programs.
Although the instructions do not explicitly mention maternity leave, Article five, paragraph (c), states that a trainee doctor is entitled to 30 days of annual leave.If a doctor is absent for more than 45 days, they risk being dismissed. This provision has been interpreted as a move to restrict resident doctors, potentially forcing many to resign or except unfavorable working conditions.
The Jordanian Medical Council has been criticized for not consulting resident doctors before approving the instructions. While some members of the Doctors Syndicate expressed concerns, their opinions were reportedly disregarded.Bani Abdul Rahman stressed the importance of involving stakeholders in the development of such legislation, stating, “The success of any legislation from an applied perspective can only be achieved through the involvement of stakeholders in its development, given that they are directly affected by its provisions.”
He called for the withdrawal and re-amendment of the instructions, followed by extensive dialogue with specialists to reach a consensus.“These consultations must answer two questions,” he said. “One of which is about what challenges and opportunities will face resident doctors as a result of these instructions, and whether their provisions are consistent with international standards for medical training, leading to developing realistic solutions.”
The controversy highlights the need for a balanced approach that considers the well-being of resident doctors while maintaining high standards of medical training. As the debate continues, stakeholders are urging the Jordanian Medical Council to revisit the instructions and engage in meaningful consultations to ensure a fair and sustainable outcome.
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Annual Leave Reduction | Reduced from 73 days to 30 days |
| Working Hours | 80–100 hours weekly |
| Maternity Leave | Reduced from 73 days, with demands for 90 days ignored |
| Consultation | Resident doctors were not consulted before approval |
| Call to Action | Withdraw and re-amend instructions, hold extensive dialogue |
The Jordanian Medical Council’s next steps will be crucial in addressing these concerns and fostering a collaborative surroundings that supports the country’s medical professionals.The provided text does not contain substantive information or content suitable for creating a news article or blog post. It appears to be a script for Facebook Pixel tracking, which is unrelated to journalistic or informational content. If you have a different article or source with relevant information, please share it, and I’ll craft a detailed, engaging blog post based on your requirements.
Exclusive Interview: Dr.Tariq Al-Khatib Discusses the Fallout of Jordan’s New Training Instructions for Resident Doctors
Table of Contents
In recent weeks, the Jordanian Medical Council has come under fire for introducing new training instructions that considerably reduce the annual leave of resident doctors. Senior Editor Amir Hassan sits down with Dr. Tariq Al-Khatib, a prominent member of the jordanian Medical Syndicate and an expert on medical training policies, to discuss the implications of these changes and the broader challenges facing resident doctors in Jordan.
1. The Impact of Reduced Annual Leave
Amir: Dr. Al-Khatib,the new instructions have reduced annual leave for resident doctors from 73 days to just 30 days. What are the implications of this change?
Dr. Al-Khatib: This is a drastic cut that directly impacts the well-being and professional development of resident doctors. These leaves are not just for rest; they are essential for doctors to prepare for residency exams, attend training courses, and even manage personal or family emergencies. Reducing them to 30 days forces doctors to choose between their health and their careers.
2. The Threat of Dismissal for Excessive Absence
Amir: The new policy also mandates dismissal for doctors who exceed 45 days of absence. How do you see this affecting resident doctors?
Dr. Al-Khatib: This provision is especially troubling. It’s a blatant violation of the civil rights of doctors. Female doctors, as an example, often need extended leave for maternity or health reasons.This policy effectively penalizes them for circumstances beyond their control. It’s a disincentive for women to pursue specialized medical training,which is detrimental to the healthcare system.
3. Lack of Stakeholder Consultation
Amir: Critics have pointed out that resident doctors weren’t consulted during the drafting of these instructions.How significant is this oversight?
Dr.Al-Khatib: It’s a glaring omission. The success of any policy hinges on the involvement of those directly affected. The Medical Syndicate submitted detailed observations and proposals in June 2023, but they were largely ignored. These instructions reflect a top-down approach that fails to address the realities on the ground.
4. The need for Study Leaves
Amir: One notable absence in the new instructions is the provision for study leaves. Why is this a critical issue?
Dr. Al-Khatib: Study leaves are a cornerstone of international residency programs. They allow doctors to prepare for exams, attend workshops, and enhance their skills. Without them, resident doctors are left at a disadvantage, unable to meet the rigorous demands of their training. This oversight undermines the quality of medical education in Jordan.
5. Calls for Revisions and Dialog
Amir: Many in the medical community are calling for the withdrawal of these instructions. What steps do you believe the Jordanian Medical Council shoudl take next?
Dr.Al-Khatib: The Council must immediately withdraw these instructions and initiate extensive dialogues with stakeholders. We need a balanced approach that considers the well-being of resident doctors while maintaining high training standards. This should include addressing study leaves, maternity provisions, and fair absence policies. Only through collaboration can we achieve a lasting solution.
6. The Broader Implications for Jordan’s Healthcare System
Amir: Beyond resident doctors, how do you think these changes will affect Jordan’s healthcare system as a whole?
Dr. Al-Khatib: These policies could lead to a brain drain, where skilled doctors leave for countries with more supportive training environments. It could also deter young talent from pursuing medical careers, exacerbating the shortage of specialists. This is not just about resident doctors; it’s about the future of healthcare in Jordan.
Key Takeaways:
- The new instructions reduce annual leave from 73 days to 30 days, severely impacting doctors’ well-being and professional development.
- The dismissal policy for exceeding 45 days of absence disproportionately affects female doctors and violates their civil rights.
- the lack of stakeholder consultation undermines the practicality and fairness of the instructions.
- The absence of study leaves hampers doctors’ ability to prepare for exams and enhance their skills.
- Calls for the withdrawal and revision of the instructions,coupled with meaningful stakeholder dialogue,are growing.
As the debate continues,the Jordanian Medical Council faces mounting pressure to address these concerns and foster a collaborative surroundings that supports the country’s medical professionals.
