Medical interns presented a petition demanding fair pay, clear and consistent policies aligned with labour laws, recognition of their vital role in the healthcare sector, and the provision of medical aid benefits.

The petition was addressed to all hospital heads, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Health and Social Services, and the Office of the Labour Commissioner. A Labour Commissioner arbitration award in November 2023 classified medical interns as employees, which, according to the interns, entitles them to payment.

Despite this award, they have not received any overtime pay a year later. Ben Nangombe, the Executive Director in the Ministry of Health, stated that the award was unrelated to overtime payments, other than recognising them as staff members.

The interns argue that, as staff, they are entitled to overtime pay like other employees in the ministry. They are also required to handle a significant portion of the workload in hospitals due to staff shortages. 

Another issue raised was the drastic and unilateral reduction in remuneration for third-year interns. Medical intern Linford Rhodes explained, "It has become a standard practice to extend internships beyond two years, resulting in a substantial reduction in the allowance for those continuing their training into a third year. Their monthly allowance has dropped from N$28,165 to N$2,244 without any new contracts being signed. Third-year interns are still expected to work the same hours and perform the same duties." 

The interns are also demanding medical aid benefits, as they are frequently exposed to high-risk environments and face continuous exposure to infectious diseases and other health hazards. "It is essential that medical doctors in training have access to medical aid benefits, allowing them to seek medical attention at a facility separate from their training location. This would respect their need for privacy and confidentiality in addressing their health concerns." 

The petition was received by Romanus Kawana, the Deputy Executive Director in the Office of the Prime Minister. The interns have given the ministry an ultimatum of 25th November, after which they plan to cease working extra hours and only work five-day, eight-hour shifts.