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

This is a sessional medical officer opportunity within the Limpopo Department of Health, offering a total of 151 positions spread across all hospitals in the province. The role is graded at Medical Officer Grade 1 to Grade 3, and it is specifically structured as sessional work, meaning successful candidates will be engaged on a session-by-session basis rather than as full-time permanent employees. The positions are open to qualified medical practitioners who are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as independent medical practitioners. The grade at which an applicant is appointed depends entirely on their years of appropriate and recognisable experience after registration: Grade 1 is for those with fewer than five years, Grade 2 for those with at least five but fewer than ten years, and Grade 3 for those with ten or more years of experience. All applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents, and a valid driver’s licence is required.

The core responsibilities of the role are broad and patient-centred. Medical officers will be expected to provide comprehensive clinical care, including emergency care, across designated clinical areas, and to perform ward rounds as part of the hospital’s routine. They must respond to emergency calls within stipulated timeframes, including during disasters or major incidents, and must maintain the highest standards of clinical practice in line with HPCSA requirements. This includes participating in continuous professional development, conducting clinical audits, and contributing to the department’s quality improvement programmes. The role also involves generating and maintaining accurate medical records, ensuring that clinical protocols are followed, and participating in teaching and supervision. In this capacity, the medical officer may be required to coordinate clinical responsibilities and to supervise, instruct, and train medical interns, community service medical officers, and registrars. The post also requires flexibility, as duties may be allocated beyond a single clinical area, and the employer may require the officer to work without boundary restrictions across the province.

Candidates must possess sound clinical knowledge and skills in general medicine, surgery, and anaesthetics, applicable to all age groups and sexes at district hospital level. A thorough understanding of the legal aspects of medical practice in South Africa, as well as sound medical ethics and knowledge of clinical governance, is essential. Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and budgeting skills are also required, along with computer literacy in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and virtual meeting platforms. The ability to collect and analyse data, generate reports, and work independently after hours without supervision is critical. Personal attributes such as integrity, professionalism, attention to detail, accountability, reliability, and a calm, adaptable nature under pressure are expected. A commitment to continuous learning and to Batho Pele principles is also required.

This is a demanding role that requires a willingness to work shifts, flexi hours, night duty, weekends, and public holidays. Incumbents must be available to work extra hours on short notice and to perform commuted overtime when operational needs arise, as approved by the Accounting Officer. A skills declaration form must be attached as part of the application process. This is an excellent opportunity for dedicated medical professionals seeking flexible sessional work within a provincial hospital network, with the chance to contribute meaningfully to public healthcare in Limpopo.