The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has urged Uganda Medical Association (UMA) to engage the government through the Ministry of Health (MOH) in a constructive and mature dialogue that will result in the withdrawal of the proposed internship policy, which will require private medical interns to cover their own transportation, lodging, and basic needs.

In a press conference at Uganda House, UPC Spokesperson Sharon Ayat Arach stated that the government’s proposal to provide only food allowances is not only debatable but will also undermine the health, particularly at a time when it is facing a number of difficulties, including under-staffing.

“I appeal to the government to go slow on the internship decisions and instead give the health sector a priority in funding. It only makes sense if the government continues to play her role of funding such productive programmes like medical internship,” Arach said.

She noted that government’s failure to do its part is a catalyst for continued industrial unrest which is a great concern to the country.

“The issue of medical interns who cannot continue their training raises serious concerns. If the government does not step in to help the private students, it will mean that few of them will be able to graduate, which raises serious concerns about the future of our health industry with such a limited number of experts,” Arach added.

The UPC Spokesperson noted that, the health sector together with interns need to be given special attention, because it can drastically improve the health sector.

According to the medical interns, they are entitled to a monthly allowance of UGX2.5 million.