Through the national health reserve, which was implemented this spring, retired doctors, nursing school students and medical students were made available to assist with the response to the pandemic. The last group, however, may not be able to heed the call.
Throughout the first wave, medical students lined up at advanced care centres and retirement houses to lend a hand. The Alem (Medical student association) estimates that between 30 and 50 students were put to work this spring. In total, 230 students signed up in response to the reserve plan. This autumn, the number may only be half.
The vice president of the Alem, Chris Speicher, explained that universities have adjusted to the new conditions and that their courses often include face-to-face courses in small groups again. Therefore, many students could no longer study from home.
To skip class seems out of the question for many, one reason being the sheer workload but also mandatory internships.
Frédéric Schwarz is a third year medical student from the Sorbonne University in Paris. If he had to return to Luxembourg, his internship would most likely not be validated and he would consequently need to repeat his entire year.
The students may also face a different problem altogether since they can be requisitioned by the country of their university as well.
The Luxembourgish government is aware of this problem, says Chris Speicher. The Ministries of Health and Higher Education have stated that they would not prohibit Luxembourgish students from working elsewhere. That would contradict the notion that Luxembourg depends on foreign health personnel as well.
The Alem comments that more health personnel should be educated within the country. A nursing bachelor would be a start, but the association also demands a full six-year Medicine Bachelor taught at the Uni.lu.
