MEDICAL OFFICER: [SHIFTS] = [227] POSTS

The Limpopo Department of Health is recruiting medical officers for a substantial number of shift-based posts at hospitals across the province. These positions are open to qualified independent medical practitioners who hold an appropriate qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and who are currently registered as independent practitioners. Appointments are made at one of three grades, depending on the candidate’s years of appropriate experience after registration: entry-level posts are available to practitioners with less than five years of experience, mid-level posts require a minimum of five years, and senior posts require at least ten years. Applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents, and they must be willing and able to work shifts, including night duty, weekends and public holidays, as well as overtime when operational needs require it. Computer literacy in MS Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, including virtual meeting platforms, is an inherent requirement, as is a valid driver’s licence, except for people with disabilities, who are exempt from the licence requirement. A skill declaration form must be attached to the application.

The role is situated within the provincial hospital system, with placements at multiple district and regional hospitals across Limpopo. Medical officers will provide comprehensive clinical care, including emergency care, in designated clinical areas, consistent with the requirements for maintaining registration as a medical practitioner. Key performance areas include performing ward rounds, participating in outreach programmes, and delivering medical services at special events, operations and other locations across the province without boundary restrictions. Officers must respond to emergency calls within stipulated times, including during disaster situations, and must maintain best clinical practice in line with quality standards. This involves continuous professional development through the HPCSA system, generating and maintaining accurate clinical records, participating in the department’s quality improvement programme, conducting clinical audits, and ensuring that clinical protocols are followed in their areas of work. They will also take part in continuing medical education and academic activities at undergraduate and postgraduate levels as required.

Where necessary, medical officers coordinate clinical responsibilities and supervise, instruct and train other medical officers and registrars in one or more designated clinical areas or disciplines. Candidates must demonstrate sound knowledge and application of medical theory and practice, as well as the legal aspects relevant to medical practice in South Africa. Strong clinical skills across general medicine, surgery and anaesthesia for all age groups and sexes at district health service level are essential. Good leadership, communication, presentation and budgeting skills are also expected, along with the ability to collect and analyse data, exercise sound medical ethics, understand and apply clinical governance principles, and work independently after hours without supervision. The rational use of resources is a further requirement. The remuneration package is all-inclusive and determined according to grade, with an additional rural allowance payable at certain hospitals in line with applicable bargaining council agreements. Commuted overtime depends on operational need and must be approved by the accounting officer on the flexi or shift system. These posts offer medical practitioners the chance to work in a dynamic public health environment serving communities across the province.