Khaberni - The Parliamentary Administrative Committee held a meeting on Sunday, chaired by Deputy Khalifa Al-Diyat, to discuss the service procurement file in the Food and Drug Administration, with the attendance of the Chairwoman of the Board, Rana Obeidat.
Al-Diyat emphasized that the service procurement file in this institution is a national strategic issue, due to its direct connection with food safety, drug quality, and public health protection, calling for giving employees in service procurement contracts an advantage in counting years of experience.
He explained that supporting the institution and enabling it to perform its regulatory tasks requires the integration of parliamentary, administrative, and legislative efforts to ensure the continuity of supervision and improve efficiency across various work locations.
Al-Diyat continued, stating that addressing the service procurement file is not limited only to the employment aspect but includes legal and regulatory aspects as well.
He noted that the committee discussed the reality of the institution and the challenges it faces, stressing the importance of activating the supervisory arms in all regions of the kingdom, especially at border crossings and vital centers, to ensure food safety and drug quality.
From her side, Obeidat clarified that the institution is facing a significant shortage in human resources, with over 2000 vacancies, while the number of actual inspectors at some locations does not exceed 20, a situation that compounds the burdens on employees and makes resorting to the service procurement system a necessity to ensure the continuity of regulatory work.
She pointed out that employees under the service procurement system perform essential tasks including inspection, monitoring, and ensuring food and drugs meet national standards. However, they face legal and administrative challenges, particularly regarding the granting of judicial police powers, emphasizing the importance of adhering to legal fundamentals and effective legislation to ensure effective supervision and procedural safety.
