On interns

On interns

From Kompas

The letter in Kompas (April 22, 1996) about interns that are placed in public clinic compels me to respond.

An intern myself, I was assigned in the public health clinic in Liquisa district in East Timor. Staffed by a general practitioner, a dentist and other staff, this clinic accepts inpatients. All the staff, including the doctor and dentist, have to perform various jobs: as drivers, health instructors, clerks, treasurer and other odd jobs.

Isn't it ironic? A clinic in a certain region has too many doctors, while another has a limited staff which results in doctors being overburdened with routine work. Yet there are people who like to underestimate medical workers' performance by claiming they are indisciplined.

How should one react to this? Should one be happy or sad? Everyone should realize that every region has its own problem. It depends entirely on ourselves to find the best solution to the problem.

DR. LAKSHMI NAWASASI

Liquisa, East Timor