MORE than 200 newly-qualified doctors and health professionals are still awaiting placement for their compulsory community service at public medical facilities, which begins on January 1.
On completion of their degree, a year of internship is required followed up by a year of community service – a process that begins many months before, when candidates send through an application to the Internship and Community Service Programme (ICSP) facilitated by the Department of Health.
Candidates can choose five preferential locations for community service, as most have families and commitments that might restrict their ability to relocate.
Frustrated doctors told Post this week that the application process was not “smooth or transparent”.
Speaking anonymously, one candidate revealed that the ICSP had assured them that
