Saudi: Localisation Drive Generates Jobs for 10K Citizens in Pharmacy Sector, Soaring 700% Of Target in 3 Years

Saudi: Localisation Drive Generates Jobs for 10K Citizens in Pharmacy Sector, Soaring 700% Of Target in 3 Years

The localisation drive initiated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, in the pharmacy sector has been instrumental in creating large number of jobs for young Saudi men and women. The number of citizens working in the pharmacy sector has exceeded the target set for it by 700 percent, as their number shot up to more than 10,000 in 2023 from 1,266 pharmacists in 2020, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministry’s efforts have contributed to supporting the process of Saudisation of the private sector and providing job opportunities that are consistent with the ministry’s objectives and strategies in supporting the labour market with national competencies. More than 1,300 pharmacists have been hired and qualified to take up jobs in the private pharmacy sector during the current year.

Many citizens who are working in the pharmacy profession are largely based in major pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, pharmaceutical supply companies, and also in hospitals where there are pharmacies operating. In partnership with the Ministry of Health, MHRSD worked out implementing its plan of localizing the pharmacy sector in a gradual way, starting with a rate of 30 percent and a minimum wage of SR7000.

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