By Spy Uganda
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has summoned Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng to address the House regarding the non-deployment of medical interns to public facilities, a crucial requirement for completing their studies.
During the plenary session on Thursday, August 1, 2024, Tayebwa expressed his concern over numerous complaints from medical students seeking Parliament’s intervention. He highlighted the students’ frustration, questioning why they are required to wait at home for another year post-graduation while their peers have already been assigned to hospitals.
“I have received several complaints from medical intern students. Many have bombarded my social media accounts. We are all aware of these issues as some of you support these students or have people from your areas affected. They face numerous challenges,” Tayebwa stated.
He emphasized the urgent need to address the deployment issue, noting that the current situation tarnishes the Government’s image.
“The delay in deploying medical interns is a recurring problem. We need to understand whether this is due to funding, facility issues, or other reasons. It is imperative that we, as a government, address this matter collaboratively,” Tayebwa urged.
He directed Minister Aceng to present a statement and called on legislators to propose solutions to the Government by next week. Tayebwa sympathized with the medical interns, many of whom had their studies interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“If we tell these interns to wait another year at home, they will rightfully say, ‘I have done my part by finishing my studies, but I cannot practice until I complete my internship. What do I do now?’”
Last week, the Ministry of Health released a list of intern doctors, nurses, midwives, and pharmacists who completed degrees in general medicine, surgery, dentistry, and nursing, assigning them to hospitals across the country. The one-year internship program, funded by the government, commenced in August 2024.
However, several students have raised concerns about the criteria used for selecting interns, with many left without hands-on practice for another year.
According to recent media reports quoting Kenneth Akiiri, Under Secretary in the Ministry of Health, UGX 35 billion has been allocated for allowances for over 2,000 medical interns for the next year. Each intern will receive a UGX 1.5 million monthly allowance for a 36-hour working shift, a decrease from the UGX 2.5 million monthly allowance previously directed by the President, potentially leading to another strike.
Farewell to WHO Expert
In other health-related news, Parliament bid farewell to the retiring Country Director of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Yonas Tagagn. The Ethiopian expert in general medicine, disaster management, and health project development was present in the distinguished guests’ gallery as Deputy Speaker Tayebwa announced his departure.
Dr. Yonas, who has been in Uganda for six and a half years, was previously honored by Dr. Aceng on behalf of the Government. Tayebwa praised Dr. Yonas for his support in combating epidemics, including COVID-19.
Kole North MP Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti commended Dr. Yonas for his pivotal role in the fight against the Ebola outbreaks in 2019 and 2022.
“He was central to the Ebola fight in 2019 and was always alongside Dr. Aceng. During COVID-19, he helped lockdown the virus,” Dr. Opio stated.
Former State Minister for Health Sarah Opendi recounted her collaborative efforts with Dr. Yonas to promote better health services across Uganda. She lauded his practical expertise and commitment to improving the country’s health sector.
“I thank Dr. Yonas for his remarkable work in Uganda. Since his arrival in January 2018, we have worked together to address health system challenges, particularly outbreaks. WHO has been a key partner, providing technical guidance to the Ministry of Health. Thank you for your continued support,” Opendi said.
Dr. Yonas, whose extensive career includes positions with African Humanitarian Action in Rwanda, WHO Geneva, WHO South East Asia regional office, WHO India, WHO South Korea, and WHO Thailand, has left a lasting impact on the global health community.
