Medical interns practicing at various hospitals in Windhoek say they are subjected to long working hours without compensation.
They claim that despite their contracts indicating that they should work 40 hours per week, they work more than that and work over weekends but do not receive overtime pay.
Some interns who spoke to The Namibian on condition of anonymity due to fear of victimasation, say the Ministry of Health and Social Services took away their overtime and medical aid benefits.
One intern says they are currently required to work seven days a week, with five days leave during a four-month rotation and two days leave during a two-month rotation.
“There is no provision for post call, rendering medical interns being on duty for 24 hours on end. There is no provision for a meal or lunch break during work hours, in fact some medical officers allude that ‘interns do not go on lunch’,” says the intern.
The intern says working long hours without a break is not in accordance with the Labour Act 11 of 2007.
“We are not compensated for work performed during overtime, or work done on Sundays and public holidays, as prescribed in the Labour Act. These working conditions have created an environment that is disabling and counter to learning and the delivery of quality healthcare. It has also resulted in medical interns experiencing anxiety, depression and myocardial infarction as a result of extreme exhaustion,” she says.
“We want the ministry to review the existing working hours, review the current remuneration so that it reflects the duration and time of work and to promote a conducive work environment.”
NO MEDICAL AID
Another intern has bemoaned the removal of their medical aid benefits, despite working long hours.
“They removed medical aid and overtime two to three years ago. The reason apparently is because we are not employees of the ministry. But we work in risky areas, we work in every department. We are the first people to attend to patients but the ministry does not care,” he says.
“Imagine waking up at 04h00, while you came home the previous day at 21h00. You are very tired and you are expected to be there at least by 06h00. Imagine being treated by an exhausted person. That is why some people are always rude to patients because they are overworked,” he adds.
“We are burned out. There are married interns with children, they have no time for family. Many interns probably have mental issues because of being overworked.”
Health executive director Ben Nangombe did not respond to questions on the matter sent to him on Tuesday.
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