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RIYADH -- Saudi Arabia?s Ministry of Health will implement a compulsory health insurance scheme for the estimated four million foreign workers in the Islamic Kingdom.
?We have already appointed 986 government-owned medical clinics, hospitals, primary health care centers and pharmacies throughout the Kingdom to treat patients who will be insured under this scheme, which is in the final stages for implementation,? Health Minister Dr. Hamad Al-Manie said.
The program, which includes medical treatment and repatriation of the remains of deceased worker, has already been approved by the Council of Ministers and it is being implemented within the framework of the Council of Health Insurance (CHI), he said.
The program is being implemented in pursuant of the Kingdom?s policy to provide health care services to both citizens and expatriates, he said, adding an annual premium of SR500 would be levied on every housemaid or driver.
Al-Manie said his office would coordinate with the ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs in the implementation of the scheme. Employers will be required to produce medical insurance policies to renew residence permits (iqama) of their domestic workers.
Under the plan envisaged by CHI, the health insurance scheme should cover all foreign workers and their family members in the Kingdom.
He said the ministry was considering a higher premium of SR1,200 for older workers.
The minister said medical centers approved under the new insurance scheme are expected to have qualified medics, paramedics and the necessary equipment.
?Institutions that violate the regulations will be severely dealt with according to the laws of the Kingdom,? Al-Manie said. Mohammed Rasooldeen
(1 Saudi Riyal = 11.69662 Philippine Peso)
