MEDICAL OFFICER: [SHIFTS] = [227] POSTS

This vacancy offers qualified medical practitioners the opportunity to join the Limpopo Department of Health as a Medical Officer working on a shift system, with posts spread across a wide network of hospitals and clinics in the province. The position is OSD-graded, meaning remuneration is determined according to the Occupational Specific Dispensation, with entry at Grade 1, Grade 2 or Grade 3 depending on the number of years of post-registration experience. In addition to the all-inclusive package, successful candidates may qualify for a rural allowance in line with applicable public service collective agreements. This is a substantial recruitment drive aimed at strengthening clinical capacity at district health services level, and appointees will work as part of multidisciplinary teams delivering comprehensive care to patients of all ages and both sexes.

Applicants must hold an appropriate qualification that permits registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as an Independent Medical Practitioner, and must already be registered with the HPCSA in that category. For appointment at Grade 1, candidates need less than five years of appropriate, recognisable experience after registration. Grade 2 requires a minimum of five years, while Grade 3 requires a minimum of ten years. Only South African citizens or permanent residents are eligible. A valid driver’s licence is required unless the applicant has a disability, and a skill declaration form must be submitted as part of the application. Candidates must also demonstrate computer literacy in Microsoft Office applications and virtual meeting platforms.

The department is looking for practitioners with a sound grasp of medical theory and practice, a solid understanding of the legal framework governing medicine in South Africa, and strong clinical skills in general medicine, surgery and anaesthetics at district health services level. Leadership, communication, presentation and budgeting abilities are important, as are data collection and analysis, sound medical ethics, and a working knowledge of clinical governance. The role demands the capacity to work after hours independently and without direct supervision, and to use resources rationally.

Duties include providing clinical and emergency care in designated clinical areas, conducting ward rounds and outreach programmes, delivering medical services at special events and provincial operations, and responding to emergency calls within stipulated timeframes, including during disaster management situations. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain best clinical practice in line with quality standards, keep up to date through Continuous Professional Development as required by the HPCSA, and generate and maintain accurate clinical records. Participation in the quality improvement programmes of the department and hospital is required, along with conducting clinical audits and following clinical protocols. The Medical Officer will also take part in continuing medical education and academic activities at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and may be required to supervise, instruct and train junior Medical Officers and Registrars in designated clinical areas. Any other duties allocated by a supervisor within the province must be performed without boundary restrictions.

Given the shift nature of these posts, appointees must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including night duty, weekends and public holidays, and to perform overtime when the need arises. Commuted overtime will be approved by the department’s Accounting Officer based on operational needs under the flexi-shift system. These vacancies are available at numerous hospitals across Limpopo, and applicants should consider their preferred placement when applying. This is an excellent opportunity for both less experienced and seasoned medical officers to contribute meaningfully to public healthcare delivery while working within a structured clinical governance framework.