Medical graduates are urging the Ministry of Health to place them as interns in health facilities across the country.
The interns plan to stage a protest over the matter on Monday at Afya House.
Association of Medical Students of the University of Nairobi (AMSUN) Chairman Muinde Nthusi said graduates have completed their rigorous medical training but are yet to be placed in internship positions.
"As recent graduates of medical school in Kenya, we wish to draw attention to the systemic delays in the posting of medical, pharmacy, and dental interns by the Ministry of Health," Nthusi said.
The AMSUN Chair noted that many graduates are still awaiting placement in internship centers, up to seven months after graduation.
Nthusi said the delays in posting the graduates not only disrupt their career progression but also have far-reaching consequences for healthcare delivery in Kenya.
"As interns, we play a crucial role in providing frontline care to patients, gaining essential practical experience, and supporting overstretched healthcare systems," he said.
He said the prolonged delay in the graduates' placement deprives communities of much-needed medical services and undermines the quality of care provided.
"Furthermore, the uncertainty surrounding our future creates undue stress and financial burden on us and our families," he said.
"Many of us have incurred significant expenses in preparation for our internships, including relocation costs and accommodation arrangements, only to be left in limbo."
Nthusi called on the Ministry of Health led by Cabinet Secretary Susan Wafula to expedite the posting process and prioritise the placement of medical interns to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services.
'It is imperative that the voices of medical interns are heard and our concerns addressed promptly to safeguard the well-being of both healthcare professionals and patients in Kenya," Nthisi said.
