Medical interns boycott 2026/2027 programme over NETH policy and allowances

Medical interns scheduled to begin the 2026/2027 internship programme have announced that they will not report to their assigned training hospitals until the government withdraws the National Education and Training for Health (NETH) policy and addresses concerns about their welfare and allowances.

In a statement, the interns’ interim committee said the decision was reached after a meeting with Ministry of Health officials led by Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi on July 31. The interns said the ministry discussed the NETH policy and welfare matters with them, but the meeting ended without a resolution.

According to the committee, the ministry did not commit to withdrawing the NETH policy and replacing it with a new framework developed through consultations with all stakeholders. The interns also said the ministry failed to provide written assurances regarding payment of allowances and welfare support for both government-sponsored and privately sponsored interns.

They further accused the ministry of declining to postpone the induction and reporting dates pending a Cabinet decision on the unresolved issues.

“As a result, the interns of the 2026/2027 cohort have unanimously resolved that they will not report to the sites,” the statement said.

The interns said they would end the boycott only if the government immediately withdraws the NETH policy, restores the 2021 presidential directive on interns’ welfare and stipends, and commits to paying monthly allowances on time.

The committee also warned hospital administrators against accepting individuals who report for internship outside the collective resolution.

“Hospital administrators must be wary of a few corrupt individuals who may report to hospitals in hopes that they will extort patients to cover up for the lack of allowances and facilitation from the government,” the statement said.

The notice was signed by Dr Ssegonga Silver, president of the interns’ interim committee.

The boycott could disrupt service delivery in public hospitals, where medical interns play an important role in patient care under supervision.

By press time, the Ministry of Health had not responded to the interns’ latest resolution.