At least 60% of postgraduate medical students in Venezuela have one or more symptoms of depression, according to a recent report presented by the Observatory of Universities (OBU).
The study on the study and work conditions of health sciences professors and students at Venezuelan universities (Enobu Salud 2022) also revealed that 12% of undergraduate students have presented suicidal ideas.
The survey was applied to 1,108 undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as to 205 outstanding professors in the health centers where professional medical practices are carried out.
Regarding the challenges they face to be able to carry out their internships, the study indicated that 4 out of 10 university students can provide medical care thanks to the supplies that patients provide.
The State only contributes 19% of the required inputs, the governorates, 12%, and international aid covers 14%.
69% of students must pay for their own personal protective equipment, while relatives of patients contribute 13%. At this point, the national government covers only 13%, regional governments, 8%, and civil society organizations contribute 4%.
Poor public services
29% of medical students never had water continuously in the public institutions where they work. Only 8% reported having the service frequently, according to Enobu Salud 2022.
Regarding the electrical service, 65% of the health centers did not have electricity permanently. 33% reported that there is no power plant in their health facility.
60% of those consulted said that the bathrooms do not work regularly, while 73% assured that there is a lack of supplies for cleaning. Another 57% stated that work environments are dirty and 67% stated that there is a deficit in maintenance personnel.
Lack of staff
Due to the crisis suffered by public health centers, 79% of the university students surveyed stated that in the last 12 months at least one work or study colleague had resigned from their position.
Given the precarious salary of teachers, 85% must seek other work activities in order to survive.
66% of postgraduate residents have evidenced episodes of workplace harassment, according to the study.