2,300 aspiring doctors start internship

29 July 2024, 4:43 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

The Ministry of Health has announced the deployment of 2,300 medical interns to 52 government hospitals across the country. The deployment, which is set to begin on August 1, 2024, aims to improve the patient-doctor ratio and provide hands-on experience for the interns.

During the induction ceremony at Makerere University, Kenneth Akirri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, revealed that each intern will receive a monthly allowance of UGX 1 million to facilitate accommodation and feeding. However, this amount falls short of the presidential directive of UGX 2.5 million, due to an increase in numbers without additional funding.

Prof. Waswa Ssarongo, who addressed the interns, emphasised the importance of basic communication skills and upholding professional ethics. He advised the interns to treat all patients with equal respect and prioritise those who arrive first.

Dr. Alfred Driwale, Acting Commissioner of Human Resources, Training, and Capacity Building, cautioned the interns against habits that may distract them from patient care, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, and unprotected sex, warning that these may lead to disqualification from the internship.

Intern Joseph Socrates Odongo raised concerns about female interns being excluded from the programme and unpaid during pregnancy. However, Emmanuel Ainebyoona, Communications Officer at the Ministry of Health, clarified that they receive four months of unpaid maternity leave, with pay resuming upon their return.

The deployment of medical interns is expected to boost the healthcare system in Uganda, providing much needed support to hospitals and preparing the interns for their future roles as doctors.