Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Uganda Medical Association (UMA) has voiced concerns regarding the government’s inability to deploy all medical interns, despite an increase in the number of internship placement sites.
The government allocated 35 billion shillings for allowances for over 1,200 medical interns expected to be deployed by the Ministry of Health in the coming months. However, a budget shortfall of 18.5 billion shillings has hindered the deployment of the remaining interns.
UMA President Herbert Luswata, addressing journalists at Mulago on Monday, highlighted the chronic underfunding of the health sector by the government. The association demands an immediate allocation of a supplementary budget by parliament to ensure the deployment of all remaining interns.
The Ministry of Health has opened 15 new internship sites across the country, complete with supervisors. However, Dr. Luswata noted that the number of interns, especially doctor interns, is insufficient compared to the demand.
Facilities such as Bugiri C-Care, Tororo Kaliisizo, Kitgum, Kitagata, and Bundibujjo are particularly affected, with some not receiving any doctor interns, who are crucial to their operations. The UMA is also calling for the enactment of proposed internship and senior house officer training policies into law to ensure quality medical training and well-supported apprenticeships.
Dr. Joel Mirembe, UMA Secretary, warned that if intern doctors are not given opportunities to practice, they may unlawfully start clinics and drug shops without adequate medical skills, endangering the lives of Ugandans.
Joseph Socrates Odong, a graduate of medicine and surgery from Makerere University and a pre-intern, mentioned that despite efforts to deploy 1,263 interns, 1,207 remain undeployed. He emphasized that they have petitioned the Speaker of Parliament and President Yoweri Museveni to address the issue urgently.
The UMA continues to advocate for immediate action to address these challenges and ensure that all medical interns receive the necessary placements to complete their training and serve the health needs of the country.
****
URN