In a recent parliamentary session, the Minister for Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, emphasized the urgent need for 80.4 billion shillings to facilitate the deployment of 1,901 medical interns awaiting training.
Dr Aceng addressed the Members of Parliament, revealing that the Ministry of Finance had allocated a mere 8 billion shillings for interns and 2 billion shillings for senior house officers, leaving a substantial shortfall in funds.
To resolve the pressing matter, the Ministry of Health is currently awaiting confirmation that the full 80.4 billion shillings will be provided.
This funding is essential for the successful deployment of the aspiring medical professionals, enabling them to gain practical experience and contribute to the nation’s healthcare system.
Additionally, Dr Aceng highlighted the Ministry’s receipt of 22.9 billion shillings to address outstanding payments for 935 interns who completed their training in April 2023, as well as senior house officers who have been working diligently for four months without compensation.
The Minister’s remarks in the parliamentary session followed a recent demonstration by a group of pre-intern medical doctors who marched to Parliament.
They presented a petition to the Speaker, Anita Among, expressing their frustration over the delayed deployment process.
Responding to the concerns, Ms Among urged Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to intervene and ensure that the promised commitments to resolve the ongoing issues faced by intern doctors are fulfilled.
Furthermore, Ms Among requested that the Prime Minister provide a comprehensive report on the deployment of interns, enabling legislators to plan effectively during the budgeting process.
She emphasized the importance of not only clearing the outstanding arrears but also formulating a strategy to accommodate the impending batch of 4,000 pre-intern medical doctors, who will soon complete their studies and require subsequent internship training.
The Ministry of Health’s plea for 80.4 billion shillings signifies the critical need for financial support to deploy the waiting medical interns.
The government’s prompt action in addressing this matter is crucial in ensuring the country’s healthcare system benefits from a well-trained and adequately staffed workforce.