We're not abandoning trained doctors; three house-officer batches started in 2026 – Health Ministry
Spokesperson Tony Goodman says the Ministry is recruiting the 36th batch of medical officers and dentists while preparing to absorb the 37th batch.
The Ministry of Health has debunked rumors that it is abandoning newly trained medical doctors by confirming that three batches of house officers have commenced their mandatory training in 2026. Spokesperson Tony Goodman emphasized that doctors who qualify are swiftly placed in permanent positions, dispelling concerns about doctors waiting years for a job.
The Ministry has already granted permanent registration to the 36th batch of medical officers and dentists, and will proceed with the 37th batch shortly. House officers undergo a two-year mandatory practical program, with the first year spent at secondary and tertiary hospitals and the second year in district-level facilities. The Ministry states that financial clearance for the entire two-year training period is secured before the cohort begins their first year, eliminating the need for separate financial clearance.
The Health and Finance ministries have a standing arrangement ensuring that doctors who complete their second year of housemanship are immediately placed in permanent posts. The Ministry now identifies actual vacancies and staffing norms across health facilities before opening recruitment, rather than indiscriminately posting practitioners.
This approach aims to address staffing shortages and recruitment backlogs, particularly in underserved communities.
Written by urgent.news from 3News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
