MEDICAL OFFICER: [SHIFTS] = [227] POSTS

The Limpopo Department of Health is advertising a large intake of Medical Officer posts under a shift-based employment system, with a total of 227 vacancies available across numerous hospitals in the province. These positions are open at three different grading levels, determined primarily by the number of years of appropriate post-registration experience. Grade 1 posts are suited to medical practitioners with less than five years of experience, Grade 2 requires a minimum of five years, and Grade 3 requires at least ten years of experience after registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as an Independent Medical Practitioner. The roles are classified under the occupation-specific dispensation for medical officers, meaning remuneration is structured according to the relevant grade, and an additional rural allowance may be payable depending on the hospital’s location, with different percentages applying to nodes designated under the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council or the Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Strategy.

To be considered, applicants must hold a qualification that permits registration with the HPCSA as an Independent Medical Practitioner and must currently be registered with the Council in that capacity. South African citizenship or permanent residency is required. Candidates must also demonstrate a willingness and ability to work shifts, flexible hours, night duty, weekends, and public holidays, as well as perform commuted overtime when operational needs require it, subject to approval by the Accounting Officer. Computer literacy in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and virtual meeting platforms is essential. A valid driver’s licence is required, except for candidates with disabilities, and a skill declaration form must be attached to the application.

The core responsibilities of the Medical Officer include providing comprehensive clinical care, including emergency care, in designated clinical areas, commensurate with the requirements for maintaining registration as a medical practitioner. The incumbent will perform ward rounds, participate in outreach programmes, and deliver medical services at special events, operations, and any other areas across the province without boundary restrictions. Responding to emergency calls within stipulated times, including during disasters or disaster management situations, is a critical duty. Medical officers must maintain best clinical practice according to quality standards, keep up to date through the Continuing Professional Development system as mandated by the HPCSA, and generate and maintain clinical records to the required minimum standards. Participation in the department’s Quality Improvement Programme, adherence to clinical protocols, conducting clinical audits, and involvement in continuing medical education and academic activities at undergraduate and postgraduate levels are also expected. Where required, the officer will coordinate clinical responsibilities, supervise, instruct, and train Medical Officers and Registrars in designated clinical areas or disciplines. Knowledge of medical theory and practice, the legal aspects of medicine in South Africa, sound clinical skills across general medicine, surgery, and anaesthetics for all age groups and sexes at district health services level, leadership, communication, presentation, budgeting skills, data collection and analysis, medical ethics, clinical governance, and the rational use of resources are all essential competencies. These posts offer an opportunity for experienced and newly qualified medical practitioners to contribute to public healthcare delivery in Limpopo’s hospitals.