South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
More than 115 medical doctors began their licensure examinations on Monday, a crucial step toward obtaining legal accreditation to practice medicine and pharmacy in South Sudan.
Speaking at the launch of the exams, Professor Rosta Yacosta, chairperson of the South Sudan General Medical Council, emphasized the importance of these exams in evaluating clinical competence.
“This examination assesses the clinical skills of doctors who have completed their training in medical schools. They undergo approximately 19 months of hands-on training in various hospitals. Only after finishing this period and passing these exams can they be fully licensed as medical doctors,” Rosta said.
Rosta urged the National Ministry of Health to ensure the deployment of these qualified doctors to underserved areas.
“We are calling upon the Ministry of Health to provide the necessary support and employment so that these doctors can go out to the states and deliver the much-needed services to our communities,” Rosta added.
Rosta also commended the management teams in public hospitals for their cooperation with the young doctors during their intensive training period.
Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony Lupai, Director General of Juba Teaching Hospital, underscored that the licensure process is more than just an academic requirement.
“This exercise is not an academic assignment; it’s a test of practical experience. The training helps integrate the clinical knowledge gained in universities with the hands-on experience needed to treat patients effectively in hospitals. We ensured they are prepared to handle the emergencies they will face in practice,” Anthony said.
Speaking on behalf of the candidates, Dr. Peter Jok described the exams as essential for upholding professional standards.
“This exam is crucial for quality assurance and for determining the competency of doctors,” Dr. Jok said. “I’m very happy to take part, and I encourage my colleagues who haven’t taken the exam yet to do so, so they can practice legally and independently.”
The licensure exams are part of South Sudan’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare system and ensure that qualified professionals are available to meet health challenges, particularly at the grassroots level.
