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

This is a sessional (part-time or contract-based) Medical Officer position, available at Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 levels, across all public hospitals within the Limpopo Department of Health. A total of 151 posts are being filled, making this a large-scale recruitment drive for medical professionals who wish to contribute to public healthcare delivery in a variety of clinical settings. The role is suited to independent medical practitioners who are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and who are willing to work flexible, shift-based hours, including nights, weekends, and public holidays. The sessional nature of the posts means that work is not necessarily full-time but is scheduled according to operational needs, with commuted overtime approved by the department’s Accounting Officer where required.

To be considered, applicants must hold a qualification that allows registration with the HPCSA as an Independent Medical Practitioner and must currently be registered as such. Experience requirements are structured by grade: Grade 1 is for practitioners with less than five years of appropriate experience after registration; Grade 2 requires at least five but less than ten years; and Grade 3 requires ten or more years of such experience. South African citizenship or permanent residency is mandatory. Inherent requirements include a valid driver’s licence, computer literacy in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and virtual meeting platforms, and a willingness to work extra hours on short notice and under pressure. A skills declaration form must also be attached as part of the application.

The successful candidate will be expected to provide comprehensive clinical care, including emergency care, in designated clinical areas, and to perform ward rounds, outreach programmes, and medical services at special events or operations across the province. Responding to emergency calls within stipulated times, including during disasters, is a key responsibility. The role also requires maintaining best clinical practice in line with quality standards, participating in the department’s Quality Improvement Programme, conducting clinical audits, and ensuring that clinical protocols are followed. Medical officers will be expected to generate and maintain accurate medical records and to engage in continuous professional development as required by the HPCSA. In addition, they may be required to supervise, instruct, and train medical interns, community service officers, and registrars, and to coordinate clinical responsibilities in one or more designated disciplines. Any other duties allocated by a supervisor within the province may also be assigned.

Candidates should possess sound clinical knowledge across general medicine, surgery, and anaesthetics for all age groups and sexes at district health services level. Knowledge of legal aspects of medical practice, clinical governance, medical ethics, and rational use of resources is essential. Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and budgeting skills are also required, along with the ability to work independently after hours. Personal attributes such as integrity, professionalism, attention to detail, accountability, reliability, and a calm, adaptable approach under pressure are highly valued. A commitment to continuous learning and Batho Pele principles is expected. These sessional posts are based at various hospitals, each with its own contact and application process, so interested practitioners should apply directly to the specific hospital of their choice.