On a mission to add value to the public healthcare services, the MEC for health, Sasekani Manzini, welcomed 115 interns in the province. The event was held at Rob Ferreira Hospital on Thursday January 27.
These interns were appointed on January 1. There are 96 medical and 19 pharmacy interns. Manzini said the expectations the department have for them are very high. “We understand it was not easy to come this far, but you persevered and today you are starting on a new journey for your career.” “We count on you to use your respective skills to help the department deliver on its mandate, which is the provision of quality healthcare services for all, irrespective of economic or political standing.
“We expect you to hold yourself to the highest standard of integrity in all that you do, and remember, your duty is to serve the people.” She said as a public service cadre they should always remain humble and be open to views and ideas that are different from theirs. “Learn to communicate clearly and effectively and listen attentively to feedback.
Never be out of touch with the ground, however far you may rise in your career. “Devote your time to understanding the people and culture of this organisation. Even after the accomplishments of this programme, outside public service, continue to serve your community and your clients, and help the less privileged in our society. “I believe that when small acts are performed by millions of people, they can transform the world.
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Let’s do this and be the beacon of hope in our communities.” The province has increased the number of accredited medical internship posts from 144 in 2019 to 220. “This is an indication that there are more and more students who are studying medicine as a career of choice. “We are aware that there are those who could not be accommodated due to the inadequate number of posts for internship we have.
As a province we have plans to increase the number of posts by an extra 20 in the coming academic year, and this matter is on top of the agenda of the National Health Council.”
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Dr Chuka Onega, a guest speaker, gave a message of support to them. “As you start your career as the chosen ones, respect the patients and listen to their views.” Dr Conrad Schmidt (25) represented the interns and said, “Mpumalanga has a big need for healthcare and we promise to be part of this plan that the Lord has to help these people.”
