MEDICAL OFFICER: [SHIFTS] = [227] POSTS

This is a substantial recruitment drive for Medical Officers to fill 227 shift-based posts within the Limpopo Department of Health, spread across numerous public hospitals in the province. The role is an OSD-graded clinical position, with vacancies available at entry, intermediate and senior levels, allowing candidates with varying years of independent practice to apply. These posts are central to the delivery of district hospital services, ensuring that medical care is available around the clock at facilities ranging from regional centres to smaller rural hospitals. Successful appointees will be placed at one of the many listed hospitals, such as Pietersburg, Mankweng, Tshilidzini, Kgapane or Elim, depending on the grade applied for and the allocated post.

Candidates must hold a qualification that permits registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Independent Medical Practitioner, and they must currently be registered with the HPCSA in that capacity. The required experience is measured from the date of registration as an independent practitioner. For Grade 1 posts, applicants need less than five years of such experience; Grade 2 requires a minimum of five years; Grade 3 requires a minimum of ten years. All applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents. There are also important inherent requirements: a willingness and ability to work shifts, including night duty, weekends and public holidays, as well as the capacity to perform overtime when operational needs demand. Commuted overtime is available on a flexi or shift system, but only as approved by the Department’s Accounting Officer based on need. Computer literacy in MS Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, along with familiarity with virtual meeting platforms, is required. A valid driver’s licence is also required, except for candidates with disabilities. In addition, applicants must complete and attach a skill declaration form.

The core clinical duties involve providing comprehensive care, including emergency medicine, in designated clinical areas at a level consistent with maintaining HPCSA registration. Medical Officers will conduct ward rounds, participate in outreach programmes, and deliver medical services during special events or provincial operations. They must respond to emergency calls within stipulated timeframes, including during disasters, and uphold best clinical practice through continuous professional development as required by the HPCSA. The role also demands meticulous clinical record-keeping, participation in the department’s quality improvement programmes, conducting clinical audits, and adhering to clinical protocols. More experienced officers may be required to supervise, instruct and train junior Medical Officers and Registrars. In addition, officers must be prepared to perform any other duties assigned by their supervisor anywhere in the province, without boundary restrictions. The post offers an all-inclusive remuneration package, with the possibility of a rural allowance for those serving in identified nodes, and reflects the department’s commitment to maintaining accessible, quality health services across Limpopo.