MEDICAL OFFICER: [SHIFTS] = [227] POSTS

The Department of Health in Limpopo is advertising a large intake of 227 Medical Officer posts, structured across three grades and distributed among dozens of hospitals in the province, from regional and tertiary facilities to smaller district and rural hospitals. These are shift-based positions, meaning incumbents must be ready to work flexi hours, including night duty, weekends, public holidays, and overtime when the operational need arises. The advertised roles are part of the department’s efforts to strengthen clinical coverage across its hospital network, particularly in underserved and rural areas, and successful candidates will be expected to deliver comprehensive medical care in a district health services context.

Applicants must hold a qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as an Independent Medical Practitioner, and must already be registered as such. South African citizenship or permanent residency is required. The grade at which a candidate is appointed depends on their years of relevant, recognisable experience after registration: Grade 1 is for those with less than five years, Grade 2 requires a minimum of five years, and Grade 3 requires a minimum of ten years. Inherent to the job is the willingness to work shifts and overtime without supervision, as well as computer literacy in standard office tools like MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and virtual meeting platforms. A valid driver’s licence is required, except for people with disabilities, and applicants must submit a skill declaration form as part of their application. Knowledge expectations include a thorough understanding of medical theory and practice, the legal framework governing medicine in South Africa, sound clinical skills across medical, surgical and anaesthetic areas for all age groups and sexes, clinical governance, data collection and analysis, budget awareness, and sound medical ethics.

The key performance areas are broad and patient-centred. Medical Officers will provide clinical care, including emergency care, in designated clinical areas, perform ward rounds, and participate in outreach programmes and provincial medical services at special events or operations. They must respond to emergency calls within stipulated times, including during disasters. They are responsible for maintaining best clinical practice in line with quality standards, keeping up to date through Continuing Professional Development as required by the HPCSA, and generating and maintaining accurate clinical records. They must participate in the department’s quality improvement programmes, conduct clinical audits, and ensure that clinical protocols are followed. Where required, they will supervise, instruct and train Medical Officers and Registrars in a designated clinical area or discipline. They may also be allocated other duties by their supervisor across the province. These posts are part of a large recruitment drive, with 148 posts at Grade 1, 62 at Grade 2 and 17 at Grade 3, spread across numerous hospitals including Pietersburg, Mankweng, Tshilidzini, Lebowakgomo, Kgapane, Maphutha L Malatji, Mokopane, Mecklenburg, Sliloam, St Ritas, Letaba, Matlala, Thabamoopo, Zebediela, Dilokong, Dr CN Phatudi, FH Odendaal, George Masebe, Groblersdal, Jane Furse, Malamulele, Messina, Nkhensani, Seshego, WF Knobel, Donald Fraser, Elim, Ellisras, Helen Franz, Sekororo, Thabazimbi, Evuxakeni, Hayani, Louis Trichardt, Warmbath, Witpoort, Van Velden, Botlokwa, and Voortrekker hospitals. The posts are remunerated according to the relevant OSD grades and include an all-inclusive package with a possible rural allowance for incumbents at ISRDS nodes.