# The Northern Cape Department of Health has received a total of 308 medical interns and community service professionals and nurses, to do their academic medical practice in different fields. The placement is administered at a cost of 207-million-rand. The purpose of an internship programme is to allow interns to convert previously acquired theoretical knowledge into activities related to professional practice. They get the opportunity to apply their newly-acquired practical knowledge and skills under the supervision of senior health professionals. The internship programme runs for a period of two years.