The government of Uganda has set up a nine-member committee to draft an internship policy to help prevent endless strikes by medical interns.
The development was confirmed by the State Minister for Higher Education, John Chrysostom Muyingo, who was appearing before the Parliament’s health committee on Thursday to respond to the plight of medical interns in the country.
Muyingo blamed the current challenges on the absence of clear regulations from admission, internship, and licensing of medical students.
However, he indicated that the policy will address the health professionals’ concerns.
“The policy will cover all health professionals, urging Members of Parliament to support the ministry in mobilizing funds to implement it once approved,” Muyingo said.
Joel Ssebikali, the Vice Chairperson, applauded the move to draft an internship policy and advised the Minister to engage stakeholders.
Members of Parliament emphasized the need for the government to urgently find money and pay the medical interns and community health officers (CHOs) to avoid a human resource gap and save lives.