MEDICAL OFFICER: [SHIFTS] = [227] POSTS

This vacancy invites suitably qualified medical practitioners to apply for the position of Medical Officer within the Limpopo Department of Health, with a total of 227 posts available across a wide network of district and regional hospitals in the province. These are shift-based posts, meaning incumbents must be willing to work flexi hours, including night duty, weekends and public holidays, with commuted overtime approved according to operational needs. The role is graded according to the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) for medical officers, with entry-level posts, experienced posts and senior posts all being filled in this advertisement, spread across numerous hospitals from larger centres like Pietersburg and Mankweng to smaller facilities such as Witpoort, Botlokwa and Voortrekker. In addition to the all-inclusive package attached to the relevant grade, qualifying appointees may receive a rural allowance as determined by the bargaining council or for area nodes.

Applicants must hold a qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Independent Medical Practitioner, and must currently be registered with the HPCSA in that category. For admission to Grade 1, candidates need less than five years of appropriate and recognisable experience after registration. Grade 2 requires a minimum of five years of such experience, while Grade 3 requires at least ten years. Only South African citizens or permanent residents may apply. The inherent requirements of the post include a willingness to work shifts and overtime, computer literacy in programmes such as MS Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as virtual meeting platforms, and possession of a valid driver’s licence unless the applicant has a disability. A skill declaration form must be attached to the application. The ideal candidate will demonstrate sound knowledge of medical theory and practice, the legal aspects of medicine in South Africa, and solid clinical skills in general medicine, surgery and anaesthetics for all age groups and sexes at district health services level. Leadership, communication, presentation, budgeting and data analysis skills, together with sound medical ethics and an understanding of clinical governance, are also required.

The key performance areas of the post are broad and clinically demanding. The Medical Officer will provide clinical care, including emergency care, in designated clinical areas, commensurate with the requirements for maintaining registration as a medical practitioner. Duties include performing ward rounds, participating in outreach programmes, and delivering medical services at special events and operations across the province. The post requires responding to all emergency calls within stipulated times, including in disaster situations. The officer must maintain best clinical practice in line with quality standards, updating their skills through the Continuing Professional Development system required by the HPCSA. They must generate and maintain clinical records to minimum standards, participate in the department’s quality improvement programmes, conduct clinical audits, and ensure that clinical protocols are followed. Where required, the officer will coordinate clinical responsibilities, supervise, instruct and train Medical Officers and Registrars in one or more designated clinical areas or disciplines. Additional duties may be allocated by the supervisor, without boundary restrictions, across the province. This is a demanding but essential role for the delivery of quality healthcare in the provincial hospital system, requiring both independent judgment and collaborative teamwork.