MEDICAL OFFICER GRADE 1 TO GRADE 3 (OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY)

This position offers a rewarding opportunity for qualified medical practitioners to specialise in obstetrics and gynaecology at Mitchells Plain District Hospital, operating under the Metro Health Services directorate within the Western Cape. The role is structured as a graded medical officer post, with appointments possible at Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3 depending on the candidate’s level of relevant experience after registration. As a senior clinical contributor, the successful candidate will join a busy district hospital team providing essential women’s health services to the surrounding community, with a strong focus on both routine and emergency obstetric and gynaecological care.

Applicants must hold an appropriate qualification that permits registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Medical Practitioner, and must be registered with the HPCSA in this category. For South African qualified employees, Grade 1 requires no experience after registration, while Grade 2 calls for a minimum of five years’ appropriate experience and Grade 3 requires at least ten years. Foreign qualified applicants, who are not required to perform community service in South Africa, need one year for Grade 1, six years for Grade 2, and eleven years for Grade 3, with experience recognised from a foreign health professional council. A valid Code B/EB driver’s licence is an inherent requirement, as is a compulsory commuted overtime contract and the ability to work after hours.

The role demands hands-on clinical expertise in obstetrics and gynaecology, including the ability to perform caesarean sections safely without supervision, as well as assisted deliveries using vacuum extraction. Successful candidates must also be competent in managing non-acute and emergency presentations, handling theatre cases such as complicated caesarean sections, laparotomies for ectopic pregnancies, evacuation of the uterus, and postpartum sterilisation procedures. Additional responsibilities include resuscitating critically ill patients, managing early pregnancy complications with basic O&G ultrasound competency, and supervising and teaching students, interns, and midwives. The post also requires efficient administration of clinical and medico-legal matters, providing leadership towards departmental strategic goals, and ensuring cost-effective use of laboratory services, blood, medicines, consumables, and equipment. Strong teamwork and computer literacy in MS Office are essential.

Candidates who are not yet in possession of the required registration may still apply, provided they submit proof of application for registration and payment of the prescribed fees to the relevant council on or before the day of the interview. This concession is only available to health professionals applying for first-time registration in a specific category. No payment of any kind is required when applying. The post is advertised through a public service circular, and interested applicants are encouraged to review the full application guidelines before submitting their application.