Medical Interns Reject Government's Lunch Offer in Lieu of Allowance

The Uganda Medical Association (UMA) has voiced strong opposition to a government proposal that suggested offering only lunch to medical interns, rather than their customary monthly allowance. UMA president, Dr. Frank Asiimwe, stated that a single meal is inadequate to support interns who require assistance for breakfast, dinner, transportation, and healthcare costs.

Dr. Asiimwe emphasized that intern doctors are essentially probationary officers and should receive a salary commensurate with their responsibilities, ideally at least 75% of what a fully qualified medical officer earns. He dismissed the idea that meals provided at health facilities are sufficient, citing instances where interns at Mulago National Referral Hospital are allegedly directed to consume patient food, an unacceptable arrangement for all interns, regardless of their sponsorship background.

This proposal comes in the wake of a new Health Policy set to be implemented in August, which aims to abolish internship allowances. While the policy integrates a supervised internship into academic programs and mandates it for graduation, the removal of financial support has sparked significant criticism. Previously, interns received around Shs 2.4 million, reduced to Shs 1 million, and now face the prospect of no allowance at all.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, indicated that Cabinet is exploring the financial implications of providing lunch to the estimated 2,000 annual interns, particularly those from private institutions. This move is an attempt to ensure these interns can complete their required training without interruption. However, critics argue this represents exploitation, as interns provide critical services, often working grueling 36-48 hour shifts.

The issue has also reached Parliament, with the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, questioning the withdrawal of financial support for these essential workers. Ssenyonyi suggested that funds allocated to suspended national holiday celebrations could be redirected to support the interns.

https://observer.ug/news/medics-reject-govts-lunch-instead-of-allowance-offer-to-interns