The Medical Council of Malawi regulates internship training for all professions under its mandate and administers pre-internship examinations for practitioners trained outside Malawi in order to protect the public and guide the professions.

Under Section 17(1) of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act, MCM is empowered to maintain a register of interns and vocational trainees. Additionally, Section 26 stipulates that a person is eligible for registration as a practitioner only if they hold an approved qualification and have completed a minimum of one year of internship in a Council-approved institution, as prescribed by MCM. Accordingly, for professions where internship is a requirement, MCM will register a practitioner on the permanent register only after the individual has:

• Successfully completed an approved internship program,
• Met all internship requirements
• Demonstrated good moral character and fitness to practice.

MCM is also responsible for inspecting and approving internship sites, as empowered by the Act. Internship training is permitted only at facilities accredited by MCM. Internship site accreditation is subject to regular inspections and must meet the MCM’s established standards and criteria.

The MCM requires that internship be a structured, supervised, and progressive training period, designed to build competence and confidence in newly qualified practitioners. This training is conducted in collaboration with approved internship sites and the Ministry of Health to ensure that interns are adequately prepared for full registration and independent practice.

For further details, please refer to the following documents: