Further to our statement issued Tuesday 30TH June 2020, the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) wishes to remind once again that the one-year contract of the Interns, which began on 1st July 2019 ended on 30th June 2020.

As a teaching institution, the PHA provides opportunities for medical graduates to advance their training through the completion of a one-year internship as a requirement for licensure with the Bahamas Medical Council. Generally, internships begin on July 1 and end on June 30 of each year with no change in this practice during the 2020 fiscal year.

The PHA finds it regrettable that the Bahamas Doctors Union (BDU) would seek to mislead the public regarding the employment status of junior doctors. We realize and appreciate the disappointment that may be caused by the fact that our current fiscal status does not allow for unlimited hiring. The PHA recognizes the innumerable contributions and sacrifices of the House Officers (HO) to our institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the financial impact of this pandemic has significantly altered our course and reduced our operating budgets for 2020 and beyond.

Internees from 2019-20 are eligible to apply for vacant Senior House Officer (SHO) positions in our three hospitals as of July 10, 2020.