About two thousand intern doctors are stranded at home waiting to be posted to the different government medical facilities from where they are supposed to do their internship program.
This was revealed by Dr. Alex Luswata in a press conference held at Mulago Galloway on June 6,2023 were he told reporters that according to the passed government program they were supposed to start their mandatory one year internship training a months ago but even the list of those who are supposed to be allocated hasn’t been out.
Doctor Luswata says that it appears the aspirations of these doctors are shuttered because they can’t be employed any were or go for advanced studies due to lack of license.
“We were supposed to start our internship program on March 31, this year because those who are ahead of us had completed but the ministry officials are still adamant on the issue of our cause yet we have reached them using various forums.” Dr. Luswata said.
He further said that they tried to reach out formally to all authorities including the line ministry but they have not received any formal communication from any relevant government authority.
Shanita Nankya a nurse who completed last year said her parents sold part of their land to pay tuition fees but after completing her degree in nursing she is now sited at home doing nothing.
She says that they are sending the signal to the ministry of health and ministry of finance, parents and the patients who are suffering to coarse government to intervene because they have now spent two months at home doing nothing yet they spent five solid years at the University to save lives.
Doctor Mugisha Samuel said that some of their colleagues have been admitted at Butabika Hospital suffering mental illness as a result of frustration and the situation they pass through well as others have resorted to using drugs.
“When you go to Butabika Hospital you will find many doctors and nurses being treated but this is caused by government internal weaknesses which hinders such qualified people to place them where they are supposed to be.” Dr. Mugisha said.
Last month cabinet directed the ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to look for finances and fund the medical internship program quickly but the Doctors says they have not eceived any communication on when they are supposed to commence their internship training.
Michael Bukenya (NRM, Bukuya County) said that there are over 2000 interns countrywide who are transitioning to become doctors but are currently stranded with pay and deployment.
“The Ministry of Finance should be specific on when they are going to release the money for the interns because at the moment they are not working.” Dr. Bukenya said.
Doctor Chris Baryomunsi the minister for Information and National Guidance says issues of medical interns have been discussed by cabinet and the meeting directed the finance ministry to fund funds to finance their program.
. He however indicates government is still debating whether or not to scrap payment of doctors who are still in training considering the growing numbers of medical trainees.
By George Bukenya