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

This large-scale sessional medical officer recruitment drive seeks to fill 151 posts across all hospitals in the Limpopo provincial health department. The positions are graded from 1 to 3 depending on the candidate’s years of appropriate experience after registration as an independent medical practitioner with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). As sessional medical officers, successful appointees will provide clinical services on a session-by-session basis, with remuneration determined by the applicable grade. The roles are inherently flexible and require a willingness to work shifts, including night duty, weekends, and public holidays, as well as the ability to work extra hours on short notice and to perform commuted overtime when operational needs arise, subject to approval by the department’s Accounting Officer.

Applicants must hold an appropriate qualification that allows registration with the HPCSA as an independent medical practitioner and must currently be registered as such. For Grade 1, less than five years of appropriate experience is required; Grade 2 requires at least five but less than ten years; and Grade 3 requires ten or more years of recognisable experience after registration. All applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents. In addition to clinical qualifications, candidates need computer literacy in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and virtual meeting platforms, as well as a valid driver’s licence. A skills declaration form must be submitted with the application.

The department is looking for medical practitioners with sound knowledge and application of medical theory and practice, including the legal aspects of medicine in South Africa. They must possess strong clinical skills in general medicine, surgery, and anaesthetics for all age groups and sexes at district health services level. Leadership, communication, presentation, and budgeting skills are also required, along with the ability to collect and analyse data. Sound medical ethics, an understanding of clinical governance, and the ability to work independently after hours without supervision are essential. Personal attributes include integrity, professionalism, attention to detail, accountability, reliability, a proactive and results-oriented approach, calmness under pressure, adaptability, respect for stakeholders, and being a team player and supportive leader. A commitment to continuous learning and Batho Pele principles is expected.

The key performance areas include providing clinical care, particularly emergency care, in designated clinical areas; performing ward rounds and outreach programmes; delivering medical services at special events and operations; and responding to emergency calls within stipulated times, including during disasters. Medical officers must maintain best clinical practice in line with quality standards, participate in the department’s quality improvement programme, conduct clinical audits, and ensure clinical protocols are followed. They must generate and maintain clinical records according to minimum standards, participate in continuing medical education and academic activities, and supervise, instruct, and train medical interns, community service medical officers, and registrars where required. They may also be allocated any other duties by their supervisor within the province without boundary restrictions. These sessional posts offer an opportunity for qualified medical practitioners to contribute to public healthcare across Limpopo’s hospitals while earning grade-based sessional rates.