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

The Limpopo Department of Health is advertising a large intake of sessional Medical Officer posts, with 151 positions available across all hospitals in the province. These are graded positions at Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3, depending on the applicant’s years of appropriate experience after registration as an independent medical practitioner. Sessional appointments mean the work is part-time or on a session basis, and the roles are open to qualified medical practitioners who are South African citizens or permanent residents. The positions are spread across a wide range of hospitals, from major tertiary centres like Pietersburg and Mankweng to district and specialised hospitals such as MDR TB facilities, giving successful candidates the opportunity to work in diverse clinical settings throughout the province.

To be considered, applicants must hold a qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Independent Medical Practitioner, and they must already be registered with the HPCSA in that capacity. Experience requirements are structured by grade: Grade 1 is for those with less than five years of appropriate experience, Grade 2 requires at least five but less than ten years, and Grade 3 is for those with ten or more years of recognisable experience after registration. A valid driver’s licence is essential, as is computer literacy in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and virtual meeting platforms. Applicants must also be willing to work shifts, flexi hours, night duty, weekends, and public holidays, and to perform overtime on short notice when operational needs arise. A skills declaration form must be attached to the application.

The ideal candidate will have sound clinical knowledge and skills across general medicine, surgery, and anaesthetics, covering all age groups and sexes at district health services level. They must understand and apply the legal aspects of medical practice in South Africa, uphold sound medical ethics, and demonstrate knowledge of clinical governance. Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and budgeting skills are required, along with the ability to collect and analyse data. Personal attributes expected include integrity, professionalism, attention to detail, accountability, reliability, a proactive and results-oriented approach, calmness under pressure, adaptability, respect for stakeholders, and a commitment to continuous learning and Batho Pele principles.

The core duties involve providing comprehensive clinical care, including emergency care, in designated clinical areas, performing ward rounds, and delivering medical services at outreach programmes, special events, and provincial operations. Medical officers must respond to emergency calls within stipulated times, including during disasters, and maintain best clinical practice in line with quality standards. They are responsible for generating and maintaining accurate clinical records, participating in the department’s Quality Improvement Programme, conducting clinical audits, and following clinical protocols. They must also engage in continuing professional development and academic activities, and where required, supervise, instruct, and train medical interns, community service officers, and registrars. Additional duties may be allocated by supervisors without boundary restrictions. These sessional posts offer a flexible but demanding role for medical professionals committed to public healthcare delivery in Limpopo.