Health authorities in the holy city of Madina are investigatingallegations of nepotism and fraud at the King Fahd hospital.

One senior official at the hospital is accused of appointing his nephew to fill a vacancy; another is accused of using fraudulent means to get his son and two nephews employed there.

Given the widespread use of nepotism and wasta throughout the region, it will come as no surprise to anyone if these allegations turn out to be true. More interesting, though, is the fact that they are being investigated and the prospect that some action may result. It's a small step but a further sign of how Saudi Arabia is gradually changing.

Posted by Brian Whitaker, 10 May 2010.