The National Council of Higher Education (Cones) is set to address the specific conditions that will govern new regulations for Medical Sciences internships or residencies in hospitals. The proposed changes have been led by the Ministry of Education and Sciences (MEC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health (MSPBS). Federico Mora, the Vice Minister of Higher Education, who currently chairs the Council, commented on the proposal.
Last year, the general changes to the regulations for student internships in medical centers were approved by Cones. The focus of tomorrow’s discussion will be on the specific proposals put forth by management members.
Representatives of public universities have sought clarification on the mandatory nature of these practices and their relevance to the study plan of each university. Additionally, the Paraguayan Circle of Physicians has requested to be involved in the commissions responsible for verifying medical practices on-site throughout the school year.
Dr. Jorge Rodas, president of the Circle, explained that the new resolution indicates that non-university or public regulatory organizations could potentially participate, depending on Cones.
One of the key changes in the new regulations, which were approved in December 2023, includes an increased number of on-site and random controls to monitor internships. This new norm has repealed the previous resolution from 2020, which was approved during the tenure of former Cones president, priest Narciso Velázquez, who is also the rector of the Catholic University (UC).
There has been some disagreement between Velázquez and Federico Mora, the current vice minister of Higher Education, who assumed the presidency of Cones in December. Velázquez has stated that he will consider whether to continue participating in Cones sessions because he disagrees with the current management and methodology.
Another significant change in the regulations pertains to the online publication of the number of students undergoing internships and residencies. This move reflects an increased focus on transparency and accountability within the medical education system.
The discussion of these new regulations is a crucial step in ensuring the quality of medical education and the supervision of internships and residencies in both public and private hospitals.