Delay in 2021 MBBS internship leaves AP hospitals short of medicos, DME steps in

According to the circular issued by the DME office on February 26, 2026, the internship of the 2020 batch MBBS students is scheduled to conclude by the end of February 2026. However, the internship for the 2021 batch has been delayed, resulting in a temporary shortage of interns across clinical departments.

In view of the emerging situation, the DME has directed all Superintendents to coordinate with Heads of Departments (HODs), Principals, and hospital administrators to ensure uninterrupted patient care and smooth hospital functioning.

To address the operational challenges, several measures have been suggested-

1 Postponement of DRP postings for second-year postgraduate students until the arrival of the new batch of interns, in consultation with respective medical college principals.

2 Enhanced vigilance by faculty members and senior residents in treatment implementation, with HODs taking responsibility for patient care.

3 Deployment of nursing staff to assist in investigations and treatment administration, emphasising collective responsibility in patient care.

4 Utilisation of postgraduate students in patient care activities, including investigations and parenteral treatment, as part of holistic patient management.

5 Direction to affiliated nursing colleges and schools to ensure students attend clinical postings without fail.

6 Instructions to paramedical institutions to send students for laboratory postings and bedside sample collection.

7 Advising paramedical staff to remain vigilant and responsive, particularly in diagnostic departments and critical care units.

These measures are intended to minimise the impact of the intern shortage and maintain uninterrupted healthcare services in government hospitals. All Superintendents have been instructed to implement the necessary arrangements and submit compliance reports to the DME office