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

This is a sessional medical officer vacancy within the Limpopo Department of Health, offering a total of 151 positions across all hospitals in the province. The roles are structured at three professional grades, and successful candidates will be appointed on a sessional basis, meaning they will provide medical services as needed within the public health system. The post is open to qualified medical practitioners who meet the HPCSA registration requirements and who are willing to work in a hospital environment that operates around the clock.

To be considered, applicants must hold a qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as an independent medical practitioner, and they must currently be registered with the HPCSA in that capacity. The grade at which a candidate is appointed depends on years of appropriate and recognisable experience after registration. Grade 1 is for practitioners with fewer than five years of experience, Grade 2 requires at least five but less than ten years, and Grade 3 requires ten or more years. All applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents. A valid driver’s licence is also required, along with computer literacy in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and virtual meeting platforms. Candidates must be willing to work shifts, flexi hours, night duty, weekends, public holidays and overtime on short notice, as operational needs require. A skills declaration form must be attached to the application.

The core duties of the medical officer include providing clinical care, including emergency care, in designated clinical areas, performing ward rounds, and delivering medical services during outreach programmes, special events and provincial operations. The role requires responding to emergency calls within stipulated timeframes, including during disasters. Medical officers must maintain best clinical practice according to quality standards, participate in the department’s quality improvement programme, conduct clinical audits, and ensure that clinical protocols are followed. They are also expected to generate and maintain accurate medical records, participate in continuous professional development and academic activities, and where required, supervise and train medical interns, community service medical officers, registrars and junior colleagues. Additional duties may be allocated by the supervisor without boundary restrictions.

Candidates should possess sound clinical knowledge across general medicine, surgery and anaesthetics for all age groups and sexes at district hospital level. They must understand the legal aspects of medical practice in South Africa, apply sound medical ethics, and demonstrate knowledge of clinical governance. Strong leadership, communication, presentation and budgeting skills are important, as is the ability to work independently after hours and use resources rationally. Personal attributes such as integrity, professionalism, attention to detail, accountability, reliability, calmness under pressure, adaptability, respect for stakeholders, teamwork and a commitment to continuous learning and Batho Pele principles are essential. This is an opportunity for dedicated medical professionals to contribute to public healthcare delivery across multiple hospitals in the province.