UPC: Sh1 Million Intern Pay Insufficient, Risks Future Strikes

The Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) has cautioned the government that the recent decision to reinstate a Sh1 million monthly facilitation for medical interns, while ending the current dispute, is merely a stopgap measure. According to UPC spokesperson Sharon Arach Oyat, this amount remains insufficient given the rising costs of living, potentially sowing the seeds for future industrial action if a comprehensive welfare policy is not implemented.

The government had temporarily suspended a differentiated payment system for interns, opting to maintain the previous gross facilitation of Sh1,268,929, which nets to approximately Sh1 million after deductions. This reversal followed weeks of protest from medical interns who had rejected the proposed policy and demanded a Sh4 million monthly package.

While welcoming the resolution for the current cohort, Arach emphasized that this approach fails to address the fundamental issues. “This piecemeal approach does not solve the underlying problem,” she stated. “Without a sustainable, long-term policy on interns’ welfare and remuneration, we shall face the same consequence and industrial unrest next year.”

The UPC highlighted that the Sh1 million net pay is grossly inadequate for interns facing expensive accommodation, increasing transport costs, and soaring food prices. This financial strain forces interns and their families to cover additional expenses, impacting their ability to focus on their crucial training period.

Furthermore, the party views the interns’ grievances as indicative of broader welfare challenges within Uganda’s health sector. Arach warned that inadequate remuneration could exacerbate the ‘brain drain’ of skilled medical professionals seeking better opportunities abroad, thereby weakening the nation’s healthcare system.

The UPC urged the government to enact a long-term policy for medical intern welfare and remuneration, rather than resorting to reactive measures. They believe that addressing these concerns will foster stability in the medical profession, reduce industrial disputes, and safeguard the nation’s investment in training healthcare workers.

https://nilepost.co.ug/news/364966/upc-warns-sh1m-medical-intern-pay-could-fuel-fresh-strikes