One of the challenges identified by the National Department of Health was that of the shortage of medical practitioners. It was reported that the country produced a total of 1200 doctors annually. This figure had remained the same for a number of years despite the growing burden of disease. The Committee was informed that engagements had taken place with relevant tertiary institutions to increase the intake of medical students in order to produce a higher number of practitioners. An agreement was reached that the institutions would increase their intake by 180 students at the first- year level.