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

The Department of Health in Limpopo is offering a large number of sessional posts for Medical Officers at Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3, with a total of 151 positions available across all public hospitals in the province. This is a broad recruitment drive aimed at strengthening clinical services in both rural and urban hospital settings. The role is suited to qualified medical practitioners who are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as Independent Medical Practitioners and who are willing to work on a sessional, shift-based roster. The grade at which an applicant is appointed depends on their years of appropriate and recognisable experience after registration. Grade 1 is for those with less than five years of experience, Grade 2 requires at least five but less than ten years, and Grade 3 is for practitioners with ten or more years of relevant experience. All applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents and must hold a valid driver’s licence.

The core duties of the role involve providing comprehensive clinical care, including emergency care, in designated clinical areas. Medical Officers will be expected to perform ward rounds, participate in outreach programmes, and deliver medical services at special events or during provincial operations. They must respond to emergency calls within stipulated timeframes, including during disasters. Maintaining high-quality clinical practice is essential, which means following the HPCSA’s Continuous Professional Development (CPD) system, keeping accurate medical records, participating in the department’s Quality Improvement Programme, and conducting clinical audits. The role also includes teaching and supervision: where required, the incumbent will coordinate clinical responsibilities and train medical interns, community service medical officers, registrars, and other staff. Additional duties may be allocated by the supervisor without boundary restrictions, reflecting the flexible nature of the post.

Applicants need more than just a medical degree. The department requires sound knowledge and application of medical theory and practice, as well as a thorough understanding of the legal aspects of medicine in South Africa. Clinical competence in general medicine, surgery, and anaesthetics across all age groups and both sexes at district hospital level is essential. Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and budgeting skills are also expected, along with computer literacy in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and virtual meeting platforms. The ability to work independently after hours, without supervision, and to remain calm under pressure is critical. Personal attributes such as integrity, professionalism, accountability, reliability, and a results-oriented approach are highly valued. A commitment to continuous learning and Batho Pele principles is also required.

This is a demanding but rewarding position for medical professionals who are adaptable and willing to serve in a variety of hospital settings. Sessional work means that hours are flexible, but incumbents must be willing to work night duty, weekends, public holidays, and extra hours on short notice. Commuted overtime may be approved based on operational needs and the flexi/shift system. Applicants must also submit a skills declaration form as part of the application process. The department is likely to prioritise equity targets in line with its employment equity plan, and all appointments are subject to the relevant verification and security checks. This is an excellent opportunity for medical officers at different stages of their careers to contribute to public healthcare delivery in Limpopo.