A FEW weeks ago the Overseas Employment Corporation advertised posts for doctors (residents, specialists and consultants in various specialities of medicine and surgery) offered by the ministry of health, Saudi Arabia.

Applicants were asked to submit ‘personal history form’ against payment of Rs500.

Due to frustration among medical community because of prevailing law and order situation and unemployment, hundreds of doctors applied for the posts and turned for walk-in interview at a local hotel in Karachi on Dec 9.

After submitting Rs500 as fee, to their utter surprise and disappointment, applicants were curtly told by staff that the Saudi delegation has not arrived to conduct selection interviews.

Many doctors were infuriated on this and the situation turned into a mess. Most of them had travelled from far-flung areas of Sindh and a few of them also from abroad to get job for their spouse.

They were not informed on time either through telephone or website about proper schedule of interviews or any change therein.

It is alleged that overseas staff accepted a huge amount from some candidates and allowed them to appear before the interview panel, while returning many others after receiving application fees.

This is gross violation of merit and also amounts to fraud. The ministry concerned should look into the matter seriously and make selection transparent.

DR DAYA RAM Karachi