MEDICAL OFFICER: [SHIFTS] = [227] POSTS

This position offers qualified medical practitioners the opportunity to serve as Medical Officers within the Limpopo Department of Health, across a substantial number of hospital centres spread throughout the province. A total of 227 posts are available, distributed across three occupational-specific dispensation (OSD) grades, with placements at various district and regional hospitals. The role is fundamentally clinical and patient-facing, requiring practitioners to deliver comprehensive medical care within a public health setting, often under shift conditions. The department is seeking to fill these posts at Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 levels, with the grade of appointment determined by the candidate’s years of relevant post-registration experience. Grade 1 positions are for practitioners with less than five years of experience, while Grade 2 requires a minimum of five years, and Grade 3 requires a minimum of ten years of experience after registration as an Independent Medical Practitioner with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). All applicants must hold an appropriate qualification that permits registration with the HPCSA as an Independent Medical Practitioner, and must currently be registered in that capacity.

The core responsibilities of the successful candidate are broad and 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. The role includes performing ward rounds, participating in outreach programmes, and delivering medical services at special events or provincial operations as needed. The post requires a willingness to respond to emergency calls within stipulated times, including disaster and disaster management situations. Practitioners are expected to uphold the highest standards of best clinical practice, aligned with the department's quality improvement programmes, and to ensure compliance with clinical protocols. The role also involves generating and maintaining accurate medical records, conducting clinical audits, and engaging in continuous professional development through the HPCSA’s CPD system. Additionally, the Medical Officer may be required to participate in teaching and training activities at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and to supervise, instruct, and train Medical Officers and Registrars in designated clinical areas or disciplines when required. The ability to perform duties after hours independently, without supervision, is essential.

Candidates must demonstrate sound clinical knowledge and skills, including general medical, surgical, and anaesthetic competence across all age groups and sexes at district health services level. Knowledge of the legal aspects of medical practice in South Africa, clinical governance, medical ethics, and the rational use of resources is essential. Good leadership, verbal and written communication, presentation, and budgeting skills are also expected, along with the ability to collect and analyse data. Inherent to the post is the willingness and ability to work shifts and flexible hours, including night duty, weekends, and public holidays, as well as the capacity to perform commuted overtime based on operational needs, as approved by the Accounting Officer. Computer literacy is required, including proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and virtual meeting platforms. A valid driver’s licence is required, except for applicants with disabilities. Furthermore, a skill declaration form must be attached to the application. Applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents. The remuneration package is all-inclusive and may include an additional rural allowance, either 18 percent of basic salary under the PSCBC or 22 percent for ISRDS Nodes, depending on the hospital's location. These posts present a significant opportunity for dedicated medical professionals to contribute to public healthcare delivery in Limpopo.