The Interns Committee of the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Department paid an early morning appreciation visit to the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Jos University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Pokop W. Bupwatda. The visit was in recognition of the CMD’s support in establishing the MLS internship program and for the opportunity granted to accommodate a large number of interns in the hospital. Also in attendance was the Head of the IPPR Department.
During the meeting, the leader of the committee, Mr. Yiljep Gungret, alongside a prominent member, Mr. LongKem, presented a beautifully crafted portrait of the CMD as a token of gratitude. The gesture was warmly received, and Dr. Bupwatda expressed his appreciation to the interns for the recognition.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the committee to raise important concerns. Two key issues were presented, a plea for an increase in the number of MLS interns and a complaint regarding the irregularity in salary payments.
In response, the CMD explained that while increasing the number of interns has been under consideration, it has not been feasible due to budgetary constraints and limitations in the hospital’s annual financial plan. He emphasized that it would be inappropriate to engage more interns than the system can financially sustain. Dr. Bupwatda encouraged the interns to focus primarily on learning and skill development, which he described as the core objective of the internship. On the issue of irregular salary payments, the CMD acknowledged the challenges and assured the interns that their entitlements would eventually be paid. He urged them to remain patient as efforts continue to address the situation.
The visit concluded with warm exchanges and a group photograph session, marking a memorable and meaningful engagement between the CMD and the MLS Interns Committee.
GALLERY
