By Joseph Kiggundu
Medical professionals in Uganda have strongly opposed newly introduced government regulations affecting medical interns, arguing that the changes were implemented without adequate consultation and could negatively affect both medical training and healthcare delivery.
The concerns were raised during a meeting between leaders of medical associations and representatives of the Uganda Law Society in Kampala, where participants criticized the policy and called for a review.
Under the new arrangement, medical students will only qualify for graduation after completing their internship, while internship allowances previously paid to interns have been discontinued. Medical leaders say the two measures could create significant challenges for aspiring doctors and the health sector at large.
Uganda Medical Association (UMA) President, Dr. Frank Asiimwe, described the policy as poorly conceived and expressed disappointment that professional medical bodies were not involved in discussions before its introduction.
According to Dr. Asiimwe, medical interns are already engaged in clinical work under supervision and form an important part of the healthcare workforce. He argued that delaying graduation until after internship disrupts the established medical training structure and could affect the progression of future doctors.
He further noted that interns should not be viewed solely as students because they actively contribute to patient care in hospitals. As probationary medical officers, he said, they deserve fair remuneration and support during their training period.
Similar concerns were raised by Dr. Jacob Mwandha, President of the Federation of Uganda Medical Interns (FUMI), who objected to the government’s classification of interns as students.
Dr. Mwandha emphasized that medical interns are qualified practitioners undergoing supervised practical training and play a critical role in maintaining healthcare services in public health facilities. He warned that reducing their status could undermine their welfare and working conditions.
To address the challenges facing interns, Dr. Mwandha called for the enactment of specific legislation that would clearly define internship allowances, working hours, rights, and responsibilities. He said such a framework would provide certainty and protect the interests of medical interns across the country.
Medical associations have vowed to continue engaging government and other stakeholders in an effort to have the policy reviewed, arguing that any reforms should strengthen medical education and healthcare delivery rather than create additional barriers for young professionals entering the field.