Health Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai announced on Thursday that Diploma holders who have been offered internships will commence their one-year training program on April 1st.
This development follows closely on the heels of a strike by medical professionals who cited the government’s failure to place interns as one of their grievances.
PS Kimtai outlined that the internship program encompasses a total of 3,752 interns across various disciplines, including 849 Medical interns, 290 Pharmacists, 73 Dental officers, 1,125 Degree-holder Nursing officers, 145 Degree holders, and 1,270 Diploma holders in Clinical officers, all of whom received their placement letters on Thursday.
Acknowledging the delays faced by the ministry, PS Kimtai expressed gratitude to the National Treasury for promptly addressing concerns raised about potential delays affecting the program. Consequently, approval was granted, and placement letters were issued.
Kimtai emphasized that placements will be carried out in phases to facilitate the smooth integration of interns into their respective roles. He also issued a stern warning to those participating in the strike, urging them to resume work.
Addressing the longstanding issue of intern placement, Kimtai attributed previous delays to budgetary constraints faced by the Ministry of Health. However, with the recent approval, he expects the strike to be called off and emphasized that intern postings have commenced.
George Gibore, representing the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), called upon the government to increase the number of interns deployed to health facilities. He highlighted the importance of adequately supporting interns to prevent their eventual deterioration, which could adversely affect patient care.
In a significant improvement, Diploma holders in Clinical Internships will receive a monthly stipend of Sh35,000, a substantial increase from the previous Sh15,000.
