The Health and Wellness Ministry says its medical internship programme has been oversubscribed and it can only accommodate a limited number of interns.
The ministry sought to clarify issues relating to internship placement after reports emerged that some overseas-trained doctors were unable to secure internship.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie, explains that approximately 500 persons applied for internship positions this year, with 70% being foreign medical graduates from over 100 different medical schools.
According to the ministry, it has placed 258 medical graduates in internship positions this year, in three intakes: January, March and August.
Pointing out that the University of the West Indies (UWI) remains the main source of incoming interns, the ministry states that over the last few years there has been a gradual increase in the number of foreign medical graduates applying for posts.
These are persons from schools other than the UWI.
151 graduates from the UWI were placed in internship positions this year.
Approximately 107 or 42% of interns placed in 2025, were graduates from foreign medical schools.
Dr. Bisasor McKenzie points out that the ministry can accommodate only a limited number of interns, and preference is given to Jamaicans who studied locally or overseas on government scholarships.
She says the programme is being reviewed in a bid to increase the numbers and standardize the allotment to hospitals.
The ministry says it understands the concerns raised and the request by graduates from medical programmes for clarity on the process for selection for internship.
It notes that spaces are determined by quality and financial factors.
Meantime, the ministry advises that prior to starting overseas medical programmes, persons should acquaint themselves with the licensing process in the country where they wish to practise.
The ministry says the review of its processes will ensure that there is a better understanding of the process going forward.
