The South African Medical Association (Sama) has said that it will investigate claims that changes of intern position at hospitals are being sold for cash.
On Monday, Sama chair Dr Angelique Coetzee said that this violated doctors’ ethical responsibility to provide treatment to patients regardless of whether that location suited the doctor or not.
Students were reportedly prepared to pay up to R100 000 for posts at their hospital of choice.
“We simply cannot have a situation where intern positions are being ‘sold’ for whatever reason. The placement of interns is a difficult process, and many doctors are unfortunately not placed where they want to be. For those fortunate enough to have found placements, to now sell them to the highest bidders is not fair on others waiting for legitimate placements,” Coetzee said.
The trading of posts reportedly takes place over social media platforms and messaging services, including Facebook and Telegram.
“Given the complexities and historical issues with the placement of intern doctors, the current haggling over preferred placements is out of touch with the realities of the situation. And, ultimately, this sends the message that with enough money, certain people are able to buy themselves the placements of their choice, a situation we cannot accept or tolerate,” Coetzee said.
Source: Sowetan Live
