ABU DHABI // As the only physician on the FNC, Dr Sheikha Al Owais has brought up health issues in session.
In her first year, she adopted the case of the Emirati medical interns who were not being paid after the Ministry of Health reversed its decision.
Some took to social media to voice their frustration, catching the attention of FNC members.
Dr Al Owais, however, ended up being the member to bring the matter to the council, questioning the Minister of Health, Abdulrahman Al Owais.
Although in a written response he told Dr Al Owais that the interns would soon be paid Dh11,000 – half the salary of a starting doctor – she summoned him to request further clarification. Earlier this year she brought up the matter again.
Dr Al Owais called for the enforcement of a 1974 law ensuring UAE national medical interns have jobs waiting once they graduate and complete their internship year.
The Minister of Health, however, said he could not promise that would happen.
osalem@thenational.ae
