MEDICAL OFFICER: GRADE 1 – 3 [SESSIONAL] = 151 POSITIONS

This is a sessional medical officer vacancy within the Limpopo Department of Health, offering one hundred and fifty-one positions across all public hospitals in the province. The posts are graded at Medical Officer levels one to three, and appointment will be at a grade determined by the candidate’s years of appropriate experience after registration as an independent medical practitioner. This is an excellent opportunity for qualified medical practitioners seeking flexible, shift-based work in a variety of hospital settings, from rural district hospitals to larger regional facilities.

To be considered, applicants must hold a qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as an Independent Medical Practitioner, and they must currently be registered with the HPCSA in that capacity. The experience requirements are structured by grade: Grade 1 is for those with fewer than five years of post-registration experience, Grade 2 requires at least five but fewer than ten years, and Grade 3 is for practitioners with ten or more years of appropriate and recognisable experience. Only South African citizens or permanent residents may apply. A valid driver’s licence is essential, as is computer literacy in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and virtual meeting platforms. Candidates must also be willing to complete a skills declaration form as part of the application process.

The role demands a strong willingness to work shifts, including night duty, weekends and public holidays, and to perform extra hours on short notice. Commuted overtime may be approved by the Accounting Officer based on operational needs, and sessional remuneration will be paid according to the applicable grade. Successful candidates will need to demonstrate sound clinical knowledge across general medicine, surgery and anaesthetics for all age groups and sexes at district health services level. They must understand and apply the legal aspects of medical practice in South Africa, uphold sound medical ethics, and support clinical governance. Leadership, communication, presentation and budgeting skills are also required, along with the ability to collect and analyse data, work independently after hours, and use resources rationally.

In terms of duties, medical officers will provide comprehensive clinical care, including emergency care, in designated areas. They will perform ward rounds, participate in outreach programmes, and deliver medical services at special events or operations across the province. Responding to emergency calls within stipulated times, including during disasters, is a key responsibility. They must maintain best clinical practice through continuous professional development, keep accurate medical records, and take part in the department’s quality improvement programme. Clinical audits, adherence to protocols, and participation in teaching and supervision of medical interns, community service officers, registrars and colleagues are also expected. Finally, they may be allocated additional duties by supervisors without boundary restrictions. This is a demanding but rewarding role for medical professionals committed to public healthcare in Limpopo.