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

This is a large-scale sessional medical officer recruitment drive for all public hospitals across the province, offering 151 positions at the Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3 level. The role is designed for qualified and HPCSA-registered independent medical practitioners who are willing to work on a sessional basis, meaning they will be remunerated according to the sessional rate applicable to their grade. Successful candidates will be placed at any of the province’s hospitals, ranging from district and regional facilities to specialised units such as the MDR TB hospital, and will be expected to provide comprehensive medical services to patients of all ages and sexes. This is a clinical role that sits within the broader provincial health department, with the expectation that medical officers will contribute not only to day-to-day patient care but also to the maintenance of clinical governance, quality improvement programmes, and the training of junior staff.

To be eligible, applicants must hold an appropriate qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Independent Medical Practitioner, and must maintain current registration. The grade at which an applicant is appointed depends on their years of appropriate and recognisable experience after registration. For Grade 1, this means less than five years; for Grade 2, at least five but less than ten years; and for Grade 3, ten years or more. All applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents. Additionally, the position has inherent requirements including the willingness and ability to work shifts, flexi hours, night duty, weekends, public holidays, and to perform overtime on short notice. A valid driver’s licence is essential, as is computer literacy in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and proficiency with virtual meeting platforms. Applicants must also complete and attach a skills declaration form as part of the application process. The department values strong clinical knowledge, sound medical ethics, leadership and communication skills, and the ability to work independently without supervision, especially after hours.

The key performance areas for this role are extensive and reflect the breadth of a medical officer’s responsibility in a hospital setting. The incumbent will provide clinical care, including emergency care, in designated clinical areas, and will perform ward rounds, outreach programmes, and medical services at special events or operations across the province. They must respond to all emergency calls within stipulated times, including during disasters or disaster management situations. Maintaining best clinical practice is paramount, which involves staying current through Continuous Professional Development (CPD) as required by the HPCSA. The officer will generate and maintain accurate clinical records, participate in the department’s Quality Improvement Programme, conduct clinical audits, and ensure adherence to clinical protocols. Where required, they will coordinate clinical responsibilities, supervise, instruct, and train medical interns, community service officers, and registrars. Additionally, they may be assigned any other duties by the supervisor, without boundary restrictions, reflecting the flexible and responsive nature of the role.

This is a sessional post, meaning that while the position is ongoing, work is provided on a session-by-session basis, with commuted overtime approved by the Accounting Officer based on operational needs on a flexi or shift system. The department notes that there are no boundary restrictions for deployment, so candidates should be prepared to work at any hospital in the province as needed. The position is open to both medical officers with less experience (Grade 1) and those with significant expertise (Grade 3), making it an excellent opportunity for practitioners at different career stages. While the advertisement does not explicitly mention equity targets, as a public sector vacancy it is subject to the department’s employment equity plan, and preference may be given to candidates from designated groups. The successful candidate will embody integrity, professionalism, accountability, and a calm demeanour under pressure, as well as a commitment to the Batho Pele principles of people-first service delivery. Given the large number of positions and the wide distribution across hospitals, applicants are encouraged to apply directly to the hospital of their choice, with each institution providing its own application link and contact number.