Some medical interns withdrew services to draw attention to several issues affecting them

Some medical interns across the island withdrew their services at several public health facilities today protesting longstanding challenges they say continue to affect them.

Doctors and supporters were also encouraged to wear blue as a visible sign of support for the interns.

According to President of the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA) Dr. Renee Badroe, the protest was well supported and necessary to draw attention to issues including long working hours, staffing shortages and challenging working conditions.

Speaking with IRIE FM News, Dr. Badroe said the Association has taken note of plans by the Ministry of Health and Wellness to conduct an audit of the internship programme to identify issues affecting interns.

She said once the audit is completed and the findings become available, the JMDA is prepared to engage the ministry in discussions on the way forward.

Dr. Badroe also highlighted the strong show of solidarity demonstrated during the protest .

She noted that interns whose contracts expire soon stood in solidarity with incoming interns advocating for better working conditions.