Medical interns face job uncertainty

Medical interns completing their training cannot expect to be absorbed into Namibia’s public health system because the Ministry of Health and Social Services has a limited number of funded vacant posts.

Health minister Esperance Luvindao says the ministry’s ability to absorb medical officers, dentists and other health professionals depends on available financial resources and approved positions.

Luvindao was responding to questions raised by Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Lilani Brinkman in the National Assembly regarding medical interns’ overtime payments, their absorption into the public health system and delayed scholarship payments.

In her response, Luvindao said the ministry acknowledged the challenge posed by the limited number of funded and approved vacant posts within its organisational establishment.

“All available posts are subject to the approved establishment and budgetary provisions,” she said.