The Government has agreed to review a new health training policy that would require privately sponsored medical interns to support themselves during internship.
The decision follows growing criticism from medical students, health workers, professional associations and members of the medical fraternity.
Health minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi said on Saturday that he plans to urgently engage President Yoweri Museveni over the matter.
Speaking during a radio talk show, Baryomunsi said all medical interns should continue receiving facilitation, regardless of whether they studied on government or private sponsorship.
“As somebody who went through [medical] internship, even an intern from a private university who has sponsored himself, should be catered for in terms of a food allowance, salary or payment. Because currently, the Government has been supporting all interns, whether you come from a government university or from a private one,” he said.
Baryomunsi Says Internship Is Full-Time Work
Baryomunsi said medical internship comes with long hours and heavy responsibilities. He said the workload makes it difficult for interns to support themselves during the training period.
He recalled his own experience as a medical intern, saying he often worked for more than 24 hours while handling emergencies, maternity cases and ward duties.
“I would enter the ward at 7:00am and leave the following day. The internship is full-time, and the workload is heavy. Interns are doing a lot of work in our hospitals and should be paid,” he said.
The minister said Vice-President Jessica Alupo and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja had also raised concerns about the policy in Parliament.
He said their concerns supported the need for a review.
“I know medical students are listening, do not be worried. We are going to review this. My honest view is that we should and must facilitate interns,” Baryomunsi said.
Policy Debate Started From Health Training Reforms
The debate stems from Cabinet discussions on the National Education and Training for Health Policy.
Under the policy, medical internship was classified as part of student training rather than employment.
Baryomunsi said internship remains a mandatory one-year apprenticeship for doctors, pharmacists, nurses and other health professionals before they receive full licences to practise independently.
During the internship year, trainees provide medical services under the supervision of senior consultants in national and regional referral hospitals.
The minister said Cabinet’s earlier position was influenced by the growing number of medical schools and health graduates in Uganda.
“When I trained, there was Makerere University and Mbarara University. Today, we have many universities producing doctors and other health workers. The concern was how the Government can sustainably support the growing numbers requiring internship placements every year,” he said.
Aceng Urges Careful Handling of Interns’ Issue
Former health minister Jane Ruth Aceng also urged Baryomunsi to treat the medical interns’ issue with care and urgency.
She made the appeal while handing over office to him on Thursday.
“That was a Ministry of Education document, entirely not health,” Aceng said.
Baryomunsi’s reassurance comes amid rising tension among medical students and incoming interns.
The next cohort is expected to begin internship in about one month. Some incoming interns have threatened industrial action if the policy is implemented.
Medical Students Welcome Review
Federation of Uganda Medical Students’ Associations president Amos Nkwasiibwe welcomed the Government’s decision to reconsider the policy.
He said the Government should maintain the current arrangement, where all interns receive facilitation during their internship year.
“The Government should not segregate interns. Once we graduate, we are serving the nation. It should not matter whether someone studied under government sponsorship or privately,” he added.
The Uganda Medical Association also welcomed the planned review and called for broader stakeholder consultations.
Health policy expert and physician Dr Ekwaro Obuku said the controversy points to a wider misunderstanding of the role medical interns play in Uganda’s healthcare system.
He proposed placing intern salaries directly under the Ministry of Health wage bill. He also suggested aligning their pay with entry-level medical officers in the public service.
