Over 1,400 doctors sought just 16 available jobs through Uganda's Health Service Commission. Dr Henry Mwebesa leads the commission and spoke with reporters about the massive response. The applications came for positions at the Health Ministry and Kayunga hospital. Candidates took aptitude tests at Makerere University on Monday. The overwhelming number shows how many doctors lack employment.
The commission received exactly 1,413 applications for these medical positions. Nearly 700 people failed to qualify because they missed required paperwork. Missing items were annual practice licenses, national identification cards and school transcripts. About half the original applicants made it through the screening process. Officials had to create a system to handle the large volume.
Fraudsters have started targeting desperate job seekers during this process. Scammers promise special access to test questions for payment. Mwebesa said the commission finished writing test questions at midnight to prevent cheating. The aptitude exam checks general knowledge rather than medical skills. This approach helps filter candidates before technical interviews begin.
The commission received 9,976 applications across all health worker categories. Senior consultants and laboratory technicians were among the job types available. Positions with fewer applicants will skip testing and move straight to interviews. Interview sessions start next week for qualified candidates. An online application system replaced the old paper method.
Uganda faces a severe shortage of medical professionals despite having unemployed doctors. The country has one doctor for every 25,000 patients. The World Health Organization recommends one doctor per 1,000 people. Mwebesa expects more hospitals to hire staff when the new budget year begins. Public hospitals across Uganda continue operating without enough medical workers.
The commission received exactly 1,413 applications for these medical positions. Nearly 700 people failed to qualify because they missed required paperwork. Missing items were annual practice licenses, national identification cards and school transcripts. About half the original applicants made it through the screening process. Officials had to create a system to handle the large volume.
Fraudsters have started targeting desperate job seekers during this process. Scammers promise special access to test questions for payment. Mwebesa said the commission finished writing test questions at midnight to prevent cheating. The aptitude exam checks general knowledge rather than medical skills. This approach helps filter candidates before technical interviews begin.
The commission received 9,976 applications across all health worker categories. Senior consultants and laboratory technicians were among the job types available. Positions with fewer applicants will skip testing and move straight to interviews. Interview sessions start next week for qualified candidates. An online application system replaced the old paper method.
Uganda faces a severe shortage of medical professionals despite having unemployed doctors. The country has one doctor for every 25,000 patients. The World Health Organization recommends one doctor per 1,000 people. Mwebesa expects more hospitals to hire staff when the new budget year begins. Public hospitals across Uganda continue operating without enough medical workers.
