ANA reports that according to the national Department of Health (DOH), it has begun the allocation of medical graduates to provinces, in batches.

DOH spokesperson Popo Maja said provinces would proceed in turn to take over the placement of eligible medical graduates into various facilities, for the junior doctors to kick off their mandatory internship and community service training programmes for this year’s mid-year cycle. “The consultation process with the National Treasury and provincial health departments is ongoing to source additional funding for 155 accredited posts, to ensure that all 288 medical graduates awaiting to undergo the programme during the second semester are placed,” said Maja. He acknowledged the frustration expressed by the medical graduates, and appealed for patience, as some would not receive the confirmation of placement on Thursday. Last month, it was reported that more than 280 qualified medical interns were anxiously sitting at home unemployed, awaiting placement for their mandatory internship at public health facilities. The batch of about 288 medical interns, who graduated between March and April, were waiting to be allocated placements from 1 July.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jonisayi Maromo at Independent News

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