By Esther Kyomugisha
NATIONAL
Today 13th June 2023, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) opposition party held a press conference at their party headquarters to discuss on some of the matters. Along the Matters is the internship policy which has been implemented by the government.
The looming medical internship policy by Government that will have private medical interns immediately fund their transport, accommodation and basic needs as Government provide only food allowances is not only controversial, but a policy proposal that is going to undermine our health sector in several ways especially at this time when its engulfed in a number of challenges which include understaffing, insufficient medical drugs and equipment, and distant health outlets which makes it difficult for our people (patients) to access medical examination and treatment
While addressing the media today at the party headquarters, the party spokesperson miss Arach Oyat said that ‘It should be noted that this long time standoff of medical staff/interns in seeking for a better pay has on several occasions invited dialogue between government and the medical body to improve the conditions of staff through enhanced salaries and allowances with an agreed position.
Much as the Government has been always slow on the effective implementation of such agreed positions, at least the medical staff and interns expected a good update on steps taken to enhance their salaries and allowances as opposed to the looming new disastrous policy. The government’s failure to do its part is a recipe for continued industrial unrest which is a great concern to the country.
She further narrated her dissatisfaction on behalf of the party as she appeals to the government to go slow on the internship decisions and instead give the health sector a priority in funding. It only makes sense if the government continues to play her role of funding such productive programs like medical internship. The covid-19 pandemic that put Uganda and the entire world on its knees, should be a good example for us as a country to produce more highly qualified doctors and champion health aspects. We should acknowledge that it is a very huge sacrifice and commitment on both parents and guardians to privately sponsor their daughters and sons for a medical course.
She further concluded and raised her voice on the government asking her to get a solution for those who are unable to proceed with their training raises a great concern. Leaving most questions un answered like; if the government does not come to assist the private student, What will happen? What will come out of our health sector with a small number of professionals? The medical training and studies are inherently very expensive and it means few of them shall manage to graduate.
