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

This is a sessional medical officer opportunity within the Limpopo Department of Health, offering 151 posts across all public hospitals in the province. The role is open to qualified medical practitioners at Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3 level, with the grade determined by years of appropriate experience after registration as an independent medical practitioner with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). These are sessional appointments, meaning practitioners are engaged on a session-based or part-time arrangement, and the posts are spread across a wide range of hospitals, from large regional facilities to district and specialised hospitals such as MDR TB units.

To be considered, applicants must hold a qualification that permits registration with the HPCSA as an independent medical practitioner and must currently be registered with the HPCSA in that capacity. Grade 1 requires less than five years of post-registration experience, Grade 2 requires at least five but less than ten years, and Grade 3 requires ten or more years of appropriate and recognisable experience. South African citizenship or permanent residency is mandatory, as is a valid driver’s licence. Candidates must also be computer literate, including proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and virtual meeting platforms, and must be willing to complete a skills declaration form as part of the application process.

The successful incumbent will be expected to deliver comprehensive clinical care, including emergency care, across designated clinical areas. Duties include performing ward rounds, participating in outreach programmes, and providing medical services at special events or operations. The role requires responding to emergency calls within stipulated timeframes, including during disasters, and maintaining best clinical practice in line with quality standards. Practitioners must keep their professional knowledge current through the HPCSA’s Continuous Professional Development system, generate and maintain accurate medical records, and participate in the department’s Quality Improvement Programme. Clinical audits, adherence to clinical protocols, and involvement in continuing medical education and academic activities at undergraduate and postgraduate levels are also key responsibilities. Where required, the medical officer will supervise, instruct, and train medical interns, community service officers, and registrars.

Candidates must demonstrate sound clinical knowledge across general medicine, surgery, and anaesthetics for all age groups and sexes at district health services level. A thorough understanding of South African medical law, clinical governance, medical ethics, and rational resource use is essential. Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and budgeting skills are expected, along with the ability to work independently after hours and under pressure. Personal attributes such as integrity, professionalism, attention to detail, accountability, reliability, and a proactive, results-oriented approach are important. The role demands a team player who remains calm under pressure, is adaptable to change, and is committed to continuous learning and Batho Pele principles.

A key condition of employment is the willingness and ability to work shifts, flexi hours, night duty, weekends, and public holidays, as well as to perform overtime on short notice. Commuted overtime may be approved based on operational needs. These sessional posts are graded, with remuneration aligned to the applicable sessional rates for each grade. Applicants are encouraged to apply to the specific hospital of their choice, as each facility has its own application link and contact number.