Namibia: Medical Graduates in Limbo as Internships Delayed for Lack of Funds

More than 160 medical graduates say they have been left stranded after Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services announced that their internships, originally due to begin in September, have been postponed until January 2026 because of funding shortages.

The group includes fewer than five University of Namibia (Unam) graduates, about 20 doctors who passed the Health Professions Councils of Namibia (HPCNA) licensing exam in April, and over 140 foreign-trained graduates. They received placement letters in July assigning them to hospitals across the country.

According to those letters, which carried registration numbers and start dates, the graduates were expected to begin their two-year internships at the end of July or in September. Many had already moved, secured accommodation and, in some cases, paid rent in preparation for work.

However, a letter dated 12 September—signed by former health executive director Ben Nangombe and delivered to the graduates only on 22 September—stated that there were no funds to take them on and that the next intake would be in January 2026.

“This has infuriated the entire group,” one graduate, who asked not to be named, told *The Namibian*. “We were kept in limbo for months, spending money on accommodation and preparation, only to be told at the last minute that there is no budget.”

The ministry maintains that interns cannot begin mid-rotation, but the group disputes this, noting that some interns started in March, June and July this year. They argue that two-month clinical rotations could accommodate them before the major rotations begin in January.

They also criticised the lack of transparency, claiming the ministry knew as early as August that funds were unavailable but failed to inform them promptly.

“This has caused prolonged uncertainty, financial strain and serious disruption to our professional and personal plans. Some graduates even resigned from part-time jobs or borrowed money to secure accommodation,” another member said.

The graduates warn that the delay will have national repercussions, leaving more than 150 qualified doctors unemployed while public hospitals face severe staff shortages.

“It makes no sense. Everyone complains about doctor shortages, yet we are fully qualified, have passed our exams and are ready to serve. Why are we being left idle?” one asked.

The group has written to the ministry requesting urgent intervention, including the possibility of a special intake similar to that arranged for Unam graduates in June. They further caution that with another group of foreign-trained students set to take the HPCNA exam in October and more Unam graduates expected before the end of the year, pushing their intake to January risks creating “a cycle of continual delays and inequities” in future placements.