South African Medical Association is concerned about the number of interns that are still not placed.

The South African Medical Association (SAMA) is extremely concerned about the number of interns that are still not placed and is not satisfied with the reoccurring nature of this matter. The association supports the efforts of the National Department of Health (NDoH) to allocate interns who have not yet been placed due to a shortfall of posts, however, more should be done to speed-up the process, especially during a global pandemic where there is a shortage of doctors.

“The non-placement of interns is not a new problem and has persisted for many, many years and we empathise with all interns affected. SAMA will continue to engage the NDoH to resolve placements and we are committed to ensuring that every intern is accommodated,” says Dr Angelique Coetzee, Chairperson of SAMA.

SAMA has urged all interns who have not yet been placed to register on the SAMA website here:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuHaA5UwHfKgAVsgRQksujdhGFzzO7WWMKQx82s8vlOmNJfg/viewform to enable the association to follow-up with the NDoH on their behalf regarding their placements.

Dr Coetzee says the NDoH has committed to resolving the crisis by the end of the week, and that it must be given the opportunity to do so. However, she says these problems need a lasting solution going forward.

“We have problems with placements each and every year and it’s unfair on the interns who have worked so hard to reach that point. Our engagements with the NDoH will also now, and in future, focus heavily on resolving these issues because we cannot afford to have a situation where interns who are ready to work in resource-strapped institutions are sitting at home, without being placed. This needs a permanent and sustainable solution, and we are committed to ensuring we achieve that, as the current situation is simply unacceptable” concludes Dr Coetzee.

Earlier the NDoH noted that the shortfall of posts was a result of increased intake for the Mid-Year Cycle due to the extension of the academic year at higher education institutions because of issues relating to COVID-19. Latest figures indicate that 284 medical interns have not yet been placed for the July uptake. 118 Posts are confirmed, 170 posts still needs funding, but are accredited.

According to the department, the National Health Council (NHC) Technical Advisory Committee will be held on Thursday, 24 June where the issue of placements will be discussed. It says the release of the allocations will be completed by the end of the following day, Friday, 25 June.

SAMA will continue to apply pressure on the NDoH even after 25 June to ensure that interns are placed. The system needs to improve across the board once and for all, especially during the third wave of a global pandemic. SAMA has been advocating for four intakes per year instead of two, and we hope that NDoH will heed our call. We requested an urgent meeting with the Director General and demand that the interns be placed as a matter of urgency.

[ENDS]