Secretary to Cabinet George Simataa was forced on Thursday to convene a meeting with ministry of health senior officials to find a lasting solution to the issue of medical interns.
The meeting comes after the intern doctors took to the streets on Tuesday, demanding payment of their outstanding overtime payments.
They gave the government an ultimatum, with five days to pay up or they go on strike.
Simataa confirmed the meeting to The Namibian. It was also confirmed by an inside source at the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
“The reason I called the meeting with the ministry officials is to gather more information,” Simataa said.
He also told The Namibian he met with prime minister Sara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila to brief her on the outcome of the meeting on Thursday.
NANSO STANDS WITH INTERNS
The Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) has pledged its support for a larger strike calling on the government to address medical interns’ demands.
Nanso secretary general Petrina Immanuel in a press statement yesterday said it is crucial for the government to appreciate the efforts and contributions of the interns by improving their working conditions.
“We will support them for a more massive strike if need be, we will provide more boots on the ground and we will make the loudest noise,” she said.
Nanso further urged politicians who mention youth empowerment in their election manifestos to support the medical interns.
MEDICAL OATH
The Health Professions Councils of Namibia says interns working 40 hours per week does not breach the hippocratic oath.
The Hippocratic oath is an oath taken by medical physicians to uphold professional standards.
Chief executive Cornelius Weyulu emphasises the need for fair compensation for interns working beyond the 40 hours per week required by the Labour Act.
“There is absolutely nothing wrong with medical interns working the prescribed hours and that would not constitute a breach of the Hippocratic oath or neglect of patient care,” he says.
However, Weyulu says the reduced working hours will limit interns’ exposure to various techniques of medicine, leaving them less prepared to practise safely and competently.
UNION SAYS INTERNS ARE ENTITLED TO PAYMENT
Public Service Union of Namibia (Psun) spokesperson Matthew Hakurya yesterday said the classification of medical interns as government employees entitles them to benefits.
Psun is a trade union representing public sector workers in Namibia.
“The ministry of health should comply. If you require someone to perform overtime, you are duly bound. They are employees and they should enjoy the same overtime benefits like all employees,” he said.
Hakurya added that the union is working with the group to address their demands.
RECURRENT ISSUE
The group of Ministry of Health and Social Services interns are also demanding better working conditions and access to medical aid.
They handed a petition over to the Office of the Prime Minister at Zoo Park.
One of the demands is an allowance of N$23 000 per year for first- and second-year interns, and N$1 600 per year for third-year interns, after tax to be reevaluated.
This means interns receive a monthly allowance of approximately N$1 916 for first- and second-year interns, and N$1 600 for third-year interns.
The interns threaten to revert to working eight hours a day and 40 hours per week as directed by the Health Professions Councils of Namibia, if their demands are not met.
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