Saudi Arabia to give infectious disease allowance for medical personnel
The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health announced monetary allowance that will for medical and paramedical personnel who routinely come into contact with patients suffering from highly infectious diseases, according to an Arab News report Wednesday.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
Image/CDC
This “hazardous duty” pay supplement will be 750 Saudi riyal (SR) monthly and comes after the medical community demanded insurance cover in the wake of the spread of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the kingdom and the recent case of a Saudi nurse becoming infected with the new, potentially deadly viral disease.
“The Ministry of Health has pledged to protect medical and paramedical personnel through the introduction of insurance against infectious diseases,” said Sami Badawood, Jeddah Health Affairs director.
The Health Ministry has referred the plan to authorities for final approval, said officials.
For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page and the Outbreak News This Week Radio Show page.
