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

The Limpopo Department of Health is offering 151 sessional posts for Medical Officers at Grade 1, 2, and 3, spread across all hospitals in the province. These are sessional appointments, meaning the successful candidates will be engaged on a part-time or contract basis, with remuneration determined according to the applicable sessional rates for the relevant grade. The positions are open to qualified medical practitioners who are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as independent practitioners. Applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents and must hold a valid driver’s licence. The role requires a high degree of flexibility, including willingness to work shifts, night duty, weekends, public holidays, and to perform overtime on short notice when operational needs demand it.

To be considered for the different grades, applicants must meet specific experience requirements after registration with the HPCSA. Grade 1 is for those with less than five years of appropriate and recognisable experience, Grade 2 requires at least five but less than ten years, and Grade 3 is for practitioners with ten or more years of relevant experience. In addition to the professional registration and experience, candidates must be computer literate, including proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and virtual meeting platforms. They must also be able to generate reports using these tools and have a sound understanding of medical theory, legal aspects of medical practice in South Africa, and clinical governance. The department expects applicants to possess strong clinical skills across general medicine, surgery, and anaesthetics for all age groups and sexes at district health services level, along with leadership, communication, presentation, and budgeting skills.

The key performance areas for these sessional medical officers include providing comprehensive clinical care, including emergency care, in designated areas, performing ward rounds, participating in outreach programmes, and delivering medical services at special events or operations. They must respond to emergency calls within stipulated times, including during disasters, and maintain best clinical practice in line with quality standards. This involves keeping accurate medical records, participating in the department’s quality improvement programmes, conducting clinical audits, and following clinical protocols. Successful candidates will also be expected to engage in continuous professional development and participate in academic activities at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Where required, they will supervise, instruct, and train medical interns, community service officers, and registrars. Personal attributes such as integrity, professionalism, accountability, attention to detail, calmness under pressure, and a commitment to Batho Pele principles are essential. A skills declaration form must be attached to the application. Commuted overtime will be considered based on operational needs and approved by the Accounting Officer.