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

This position offers sessional medical officer posts at Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3 level, with as many as 151 vacancies available across all hospitals within the provincial health department. The role is intended for qualified medical practitioners who wish to work on a sessional basis, providing clinical services in a hospital setting. Appointments are made according to the relevant grade based on years of appropriate experience after registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. All applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents, and must hold a qualification that allows registration with the HPCSA as an Independent Medical Practitioner. Current registration with the HPCSA is an inherent requirement, and the level of experience determines the grade: less than five years for Grade 1, at least five but less than ten years for Grade 2, and ten years or more for Grade 3.

The key duties of the medical officer include providing comprehensive clinical care, including emergency care, in designated clinical areas, performing ward rounds, and delivering medical services during special events or operations. The incumbent must respond to emergency calls within stipulated times, including during disasters, and must maintain best clinical practice in line with quality standards. This includes participating in the department’s Quality Improvement Programme, conducting clinical audits, and ensuring that clinical protocols are followed. The officer is also expected to generate and maintain accurate medical records, participate in continuing medical education and academic activities, and where required, supervise and train medical interns, community service medical officers, and registrars. Additional duties may be allocated by the supervisor without boundary restrictions.

Candidates must possess sound clinical knowledge and skills in general medicine, surgery, and anaesthetics for all age groups and sexes at district health services level. Knowledge of the legal aspects of medical practice in South Africa, clinical governance, and sound medical ethics is essential. Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and budgeting skills are required, along with computer literacy in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and virtual meeting platforms. The ability to collect and analyse data, work independently after hours, and use resources rationally is also expected. Personal attributes such as integrity, professionalism, attention to detail, accountability, reliability, and a proactive, results-oriented approach are important. The successful candidate must remain calm under pressure, be adaptable to change, and demonstrate respect and diplomacy with stakeholders. A valid driver’s licence is required, and a skills declaration form must be attached to the application.

The nature of the work demands a willingness to work shifts, flexi hours, night duty, weekends, and public holidays, as well as the ability to work extra hours on short notice. Commuted overtime may be approved by the Accounting Officer based on operational needs and the flexi/shift system. This is a sessional post, meaning remuneration is paid at sessional rates according to the appointed grade. The role is well suited to medical professionals committed to continuous learning and the Batho Pele principles, and who are prepared to contribute to the broader goals of the provincial health system.