Kenya Medical Association on delayed posting of Medical Interns

Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has today issued a statement over the delayed posting of medical interns by the government. KMA wants the Ministry of Health to immediately post medical and dental interns to prevent the breakdown of healthcare services in Kenya and strikes. Below is what by KMA Secretary General Dr. Diana Marion had to say.

Delayed Posting of Medical Interns

Medical internship is a critical time in the medical professional journey where newly qualified doctors can consolidate their skills under the supervision of senior colleagues while offering services in healthcare institutions. Medical interns are the backbone of many healthcare facilities and significantly contribute to the healthcare workforce.

It is with great disappointment and concern that we speak on the prolonged delay in the posting of medical interns by the government. This delay not only affects the career progression of the individual healthcare workers but has a significant impact on the entire healthcare system and the capacity to meet the health needs of the Kenyan population.

The Kenya Medical Association urges the Ministry of Health as follows:

1. Facilitate and effect the immediate posting of medical and dental interns to prevent any further delay and breakdown in the healthcare service delivery chain and the career progression of the over 1300 newly qualified doctors.

2. Call for long-term planning to address matters on health workforce management. We particularly reference the KMA position on the proposed Health Service Commission.

3. Call the KHHRAC to advice as mandated on health workforce management issues which have in the past and currently continue to disrupt and compromise healthcare service delivery.

Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) had on the hand had earlier threatened to go on strike if Treasury fails to release funds for posting interns in 7 days.