The Ministry of Health has cancelled the internship placements of 348 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) students, citing non-compliance with the Public Service Commission’s internship policy and guidelines. The revocation was attributed to the students’ ineligibility, as they had not officially graduated or received clearance from their regulatory body.
Internships within the Ministry of Health are structured to provide practical experience only to individuals who have fully completed their academic journey and meet all set criteria. The ministry emphasized that internship opportunities are reserved strictly for candidates who have not only completed their academic requirements but have also gone through graduation and obtained clearance from relevant professional bodies.
The 348 nursing students, according to the ministry, were found to fall short of this requirement. Despite being in the final stages of their training, their lack of formal graduation and regulatory clearance automatically disqualified them from the internship program.
The revocation comes as a strict interpretation and enforcement of existing internship policies that prioritize order, fairness, and merit. The move is seen as part of a broader effort by the government to streamline professional training and transition processes for healthcare workers, ensuring that internship slots are offered only to fully qualified candidates.
According to the ministry, the decision aligns with the goal of maintaining transparency and integrity in the healthcare internship placement process. This policy is intended to ensure that every applicant undergoes an equal and merit-based process.
While the decision affects a significant number of students, the Ministry reiterated its commitment to providing practical opportunities for eligible healthcare professionals. It further stated that once the affected students meet the necessary graduation and clearance requirements, they will be eligible to reapply for future internship placements.
The Ministry also reaffirmed its dedication to supporting the growth and development of healthcare personnel across the country through its internship programs, which are designed to bridge the gap between academic training and real-world service delivery in healthcare facilities.
This move signals a firm stance on upholding professional standards in the sector while ensuring that all interns meet the established requirements before entry into the field.
