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

The provincial Department of Health is advertising a substantial intake of sessional medical officers, with 151 positions available across all hospitals in the province. These posts are graded at Medical Officer Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3, depending on the candidate’s years of appropriate and recognisable experience after registration as an independent medical practitioner with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). This is a significant opportunity for qualified medical practitioners to contribute to public healthcare delivery in a range of hospital settings, from district and regional hospitals to specialised facilities, while working on a sessional basis that offers flexibility in service provision.

To be considered, applicants must hold a qualification that permits registration with the HPCSA as an Independent Medical Practitioner and must currently hold that registration. 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 years or more. All applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents. The inherent requirements of the job include a willingness and ability to work shifts and flexi hours, including night duty, weekends, and public holidays, as well as a willingness to work extra hours on short notice and to perform overtime when the need arises. Commuted overtime may be approved by the Accounting Officer of the Department based on operational needs and the flexi or shift system. A valid driver’s licence is required, and a skills declaration form must be attached to the application. Computer literacy in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as proficiency in virtual meeting platforms, is essential, along with the ability to generate reports using these tools.

Candidates must demonstrate sound clinical knowledge and skills in general medicine, surgery, and anaesthetics for all age groups and sexes at district health services level. They should have knowledge and understanding of the legal aspects relevant to medical practice in South Africa, apply sound medical ethics, and understand clinical governance. Good leadership, communication, presentation, and budgeting skills are also expected, as is the ability to work after hours independently and without supervision. The Department seeks individuals with integrity, professionalism, attention to detail, accountability, reliability, a proactive and results-oriented approach, calmness under pressure, adaptability to change, and respect for stakeholders. Teamwork, supportive leadership, and a commitment to continuous learning and Batho Pele principles are also important personal attributes.

The key performance areas include providing clinical care, including emergency care, in designated clinical areas; performing ward rounds and outreach programmes; providing medical services at special events and operations; responding to all emergency calls within stipulated times, including during disasters; maintaining best clinical practice in line with quality standards; updating oneself through the Continuous Professional Development system as required by the HPCSA; generating and maintaining clinical records to minimum standards; participating in the Quality Improvement Programme of the Department and the hospital; conducting clinical audits; participating in continuing medical education and academic activities at undergraduate and postgraduate levels; ensuring clinical protocols are followed; and, where required, coordinating clinical responsibilities and supervising, instructing, and training medical interns, community service medical officers, and registrars. Additional duties may be allocated by the supervisor without boundary restrictions. These sessional posts provide a meaningful way to support the provincial health system while earning a competitive sessional rate aligned with the relevant grade.