MEDICAL OFFICER: [SHIFTS] = [227] POSTS

This is a large-scale recruitment drive by the Limpopo Department of Health for 227 Medical Officer posts, distributed across a wide network of district and regional hospitals throughout the province. The positions are structured into three professional grades, allowing applications from practitioners at different stages of their careers. Medical Officers appointed to these posts will work within a shift system that includes night duty, weekends and public holidays, and the roles require flexibility to perform overtime as operational needs arise. While the primary placement is at designated hospitals, the nature of the work includes responding to emergencies, disaster management, outreach programmes and special provincial operations, so a willingness to serve without boundary restrictions across the province is important.

To be considered, applicants must hold an appropriate qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Independent Medical Practitioner, and must be currently registered with the HPCSA in that capacity. Applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents. The experience requirements are determined by the grade being applied for: Grade 1 is for practitioners with less than five years of appropriate experience after registration; Grade 2 requires a minimum of five years; and Grade 3 requires a minimum of ten years. The inherent requirements of the job include computer literacy in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and virtual meeting platforms, as well as possession of a valid driver’s licence unless the applicant has a disability. A skill declaration form must be attached to the application.

The successful candidates will be expected to provide comprehensive clinical care, including emergency care, in designated clinical areas, commensurate with the requirements for maintaining registration as a medical practitioner. Duties include performing ward rounds, offering medical services at outreach programmes and special events, and responding to emergency calls within stipulated times, including in disaster situations. Practitioners must maintain best clinical practice in line with quality standards, keep up to date through Continuing Professional Development as required by the HPCSA, and generate and maintain proper clinical records. Participation in the department’s Quality Improvement Programme is essential, as is conducting clinical audits, following clinical protocols, and taking part in continuing medical education and academic activities at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Senior post holders may also be required to supervise, instruct and train Medical Officers and Registrars, and to coordinate clinical responsibilities in one or more designated areas.

Candidates should have sound clinical knowledge and skills in general medicine, surgery and anaesthetics for all age groups and sexes at district health service level. They must demonstrate leadership, communication, presentation and budgeting skills, as well as an ability to collect and analyse data. Sound medical ethics, an understanding of clinical governance, the ability to work after hours independently and without supervision, and the rational use of resources are all essential. The department offers an all-inclusive remuneration package appropriate to the grade, with an additional rural allowance for certain nodes. These posts are subject to commuted overtime approval by the Accounting Officer, based on operational needs. The department encourages applications from all eligible groups, and persons with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, with reasonable accommodation considered where relevant.