MEDICAL OFFICER: [SHIFTS] = [227] POSTS

The Limpopo Department of Health is advertising a large number of Medical Officer posts under the shift system, with a total of 227 vacancies spread across its network of district and regional hospitals. This is a broad recruitment initiative aimed at strengthening clinical capacity in public health facilities throughout the province, from major tertiary-level institutions such as Pietersburg, Mankweng and Tshilidzini to smaller rural hospitals including Evuxakeni, Hayani and Witpoort. The posts are graded as Medical Officer Grade 1, Grade 2 or Grade 3, depending on the applicant's years of appropriate experience after registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an independent medical practitioner. These are OSD-graded clinical positions within the department's medical establishment, and they carry the associated occupational-specific dispensation benefits.

To be considered, applicants must hold a qualification that allows registration with the HPCSA as an independent medical practitioner and must currently be registered with the HPCSA in that capacity. Grade 1 candidates need less than five years of relevant, recognisable experience after registration, Grade 2 candidates need a minimum of five years, and Grade 3 candidates need at least ten years. All applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents. The role is inherently operational, requiring a willingness to work shifts, flexible hours, night duty, weekends and public holidays, as well as the ability to perform commuted overtime when the need arises incountry. Commuted overtime is approved by the Accounting Officer based on operational demands under the flexi or shift system. In addition, applicants must be computer literate in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and virtual meeting platforms, and must possess a valid driver's licence unless they have a disability. A skill declaration form must be submitted as part of the application process.

The key performance areas are broad and patient-centred. Medical officers will provide clinical care, including emergency care, in the designated clinical areas in line with the requirements for maintaining HPCSA registration. They will perform ward rounds, participate in outreach programmes, and deliver medical services at special events and operations anywhere in the province. The role requires responding to emergency calls within stipulated times, including during disasters or disaster management situations, and maintaining best clinical practice according to quality standards, while completing Continuous Professional Development activities as required by the HPCSA. Officers must generate and maintain proper clinical records, participate in the department's Quality Improvement Programme, conduct clinical audits, and ensure compliance with clinical protocols. They will also be involved in continuing medical education and academic activities at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Where required, they will coordinate clinical responsibilities, supervise, instruct and train medical officers and registrars in one or more designated clinical areas, and perform any other duties allocated by the supervisor without boundary restrictions. The required knowledge and skills include a sound understanding of medical theory and practice, the legal aspects of medicine in South Africa, general medical, surgical and anaesthetic skills for all age groups and sexes at district health services level, leadership and communication abilities, data collection and analysis, sound medical ethics, clinical governance, and the rational use of resources while being able to work independently after hours. The remuneration is an all-inclusive package that varies by gradeagsandro, and a rural allowance is payable, with a different percentage applied for ISRDS Nodes, depending on the hospital's location. These posts present a significant opportunity for dedicated medical professionals to serve in the Limpopo public health sector.