Medical Interns Call on Public and Civil Society to Support Their Cause: Pay Cut Sparks Concern in Hospitals. Long Hours, Strained System.
Following challenges medical interns have faced over time across the country, they continue to express concern over changes to their monthly allowances, with the Ministry of Health facing questions over a reduction in their pay. The development comes amid growing debate about working conditions and staffing pressures in public hospitals and our reporter takes on one of the leaders from the medical interns’ fraternity to discuss the situation
Medical interns are raising concern over a revised allowance policy by the Ministry of Health, which has reduced their monthly pay from 2.5 million to 1 million shillings. Intern doctors say the decision comes at a time when they are already working under intense pressure in public hospitals. The changes have sparked concern among intern doctors who say they continue to work long hours under difficult conditions.
Dr. Namutebi Florence, the Welfare Chairperson of the medical interns' fraternity, says interns routinely work shifts of up to 36 hours, a situation she says is affecting their physical and mental health.
She adds that beyond pay, the biggest challenge is the pressure on the health system, driven by a growing population and limited investment in medical staffing.
Dr. Florence also questions the number of interns being deployed compared to the number of qualified graduates, saying the system is under strain and not matching demand in hospitals.
As the debate continues, intern doctors are calling on government to review the revised policy, saying proper welfare support is key to maintaining an effective healthcare system.
