Shangula: Hospitals to forge ahead without intern capacity

Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula says public hospitals will continue to deliver health services despite a decision by medical interns who have decided that, going forward, they will only work from 08:00 until 17:00 because of alleged mistreatment by the ministry.The trainee doctors, following legal guidance from lawyer Wilbard Kagola, issued a statement announcing they would only work the standard hours as of yesterday.When asked how this change would impact the functionality of state hospitals where the interns are deployed, Shangula explained that each hospital operates based on an approved staff establishment, which specifies the required number of doctors and other employees needed to deliver services to the public.“Not all hospitals have interns; nonetheless, they still function with the staff in their establishment," the minister said. During a march to the Office of the Prime Minister last week, the interns raised concerns about treating sick patients alone without the guidance and support of qualified medical officers or supervisors.Shangula, in his response, added that when a group of interns graduate, there is a gap until the new intake arrives, meaning hospitals have had capacity to function even under such circumstances. "Each hospital will adjust its workforce to ensure service delivery is not affected. Interns will continue their practical training during hours set by the Labour Act of 2007".Drastic pay cutsIn a petition submitted to Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, trainee doctors listed several grievances, accusing the health ministry of not paying overtime, imposing salary cuts, maintaining poor working conditions, and implementing policies that breach labour laws.They further accused some medical officers of deliberately withholding signatures required for licenses and forcing them to repeat training in various hospital departments.Additionally, they highlighted the practice of extending internships beyond two years, resulting in a drastic reduction of monthly allowances from N$28 165.34 to N$2 244, with no new contracts signed.Shangula, however, assured the trainees that the ministry is actively engaging with relevant stakeholders to ensure all parties are involved in finding solutions.

Shangula: Hospitals to forge ahead without intern capacity

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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Shangula: Hospitals to forge ahead without intern capacity

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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