Lira Regional Referral Hospital has inducted and oriented a new cohort of medical interns for the 2026/2027 internship programme, with senior hospital leadership urging them to uphold professionalism, accountability and patient-centred care throughout their training.

The orientation and induction exercise, held on Monday, August 31, 2026, was organised by the Hospital’s Human Resource Department and facilitated by a team of senior consultants.

The sessions were led by the Head of Clinical Services and Senior Consultant Paediatrician, Dr William Oyang, together with Physician Dr James Apollo Kapisi.

Officiating at the induction, Senior Executive Consultant (SEC) Dr Andrew Odur encouraged the interns to make the most of their time at Lira Regional Referral Hospital by remaining focused, committed and willing to learn.

“Internship lays a strong foundation for your professional growth. Seize this opportunity, invest your time, focus and learn as much as possible,” Dr Odur told them.

SEC urged the interns to approach their work with seriousness and dedication, emphasising that their primary responsibility is to ensure that patients receive timely, safe and quality healthcare services.

He cautioned the interns against engaging in unethical practices, particularly the extortion of money from patients and their caregivers, and urged them to maintain integrity in all their professional dealings.

Dr Odur also advised them to stay away from substance abuse and other behaviours that could compromise their professional conduct and careers.

According to SEC, clean and safe working environments, patient-centred care, timely service delivery, professionalism and accountability are fundamental to providing quality and responsive healthcare services.

He challenged the interns to demonstrate these values consistently in their daily interactions with patients, caregivers and fellow health workers.

The Senior Principal Nursing Officer, Sister Beatrice Akello, further encouraged the interns to develop effective communication skills and treat patients and caregivers with respect and dignity.

Sister Beatrice emphasised the importance of maintaining a safe and clean healthcare environment and urged the interns to ensure proper and peaceful handover of patients between health workers and shifts.

She reminded the interns that effective communication, teamwork and continuity of care are essential components of quality healthcare delivery.

A total of 40 interns, comprising medical doctors, nurses and pharmacists, will undergo a one-year internship programme.

The induction programme is intended to familiarise the new interns with the hospital’s systems, policies, professional expectations and clinical environment, while equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to effectively serve patients during their one-year internship.