MEDICAL OFFICER: [SHIFTS] = [227] POSTS

This vacancy is for a Medical Officer on a shift system, with a total of 227 posts available across multiple hospitals within the Limpopo Department of Health. The positions are distributed across three experience-based grades, with Grade 1 posts being the most numerous and Grade 3 the fewest. Successful candidates will be placed at one of the numerous district and regional hospitals listed, including Pietersburg, Mankweng, Tshilidzini, Lebowakgomo, Kgapane, and many others. This is a clinical role focused on providing comprehensive medical care at district health services level, with an emphasis on emergency care, inpatient management, and after-hours service delivery. The post is structured for medical practitioners who are willing to work flexi hours, including night duty, weekends, and public holidays, and who are prepared to perform commuted overtime as operational needs require.

Applicants must hold a qualification that permits registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Independent Medical Practitioner, and must currently be registered as such. For appointment at Grade 1, candidates need less than five years of appropriate and recognisable experience after registration. Grade 2 requires a minimum of five years, while Grade 3 requires a minimum of ten years of post-registration experience. Only South African citizens or permanent residents may apply. A valid driver's licence is required, although an exemption applies for people with disabilities. Inherent to the job is the willingness to work shifts, perform overtime, and work independently after hours without supervision. Computer literacy including MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and virtual meeting platforms is also required, along with a skill declaration form to be attached to the application.

Key responsibilities include providing clinical care in designated areas, performing ward rounds, running outreach programmes, and delivering medical services at special events and operations across the province. The Medical Officer must respond to emergency calls within stipulated times, including during disasters, and must maintain best clinical practice in line with quality standards. This includes participating in continuing professional development (CPD) as mandated by the HPCSA, generating and maintaining proper medical records, and supporting the department’s quality improvement programmes. The role also involves conducting clinical audits, ensuring clinical protocols are followed, and participating in teaching and supervision of Medical Officers and Registrars where required. Additional duties may be allocated by the supervisor without boundary restrictions.

The ideal candidate should have sound clinical knowledge and skills across general medicine, surgery, and anaesthetics for all age groups and sexes. Good leadership, communication, presentation, and budgeting skills are essential, as is the ability to collect and analyse data. Knowledge of medical ethics, clinical governance, and the legal aspects of medical practice in South Africa is critical. The remuneration package is all-inclusive and includes a rural allowance, with the percentage depending on whether the post is in a Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council area or an ISRDS node. These are demanding but rewarding roles for dedicated medical officers seeking to serve communities across Limpopo’s hospitals.