Cape Town — Health Minister, Joe Phaahla, said the Department o Health has already employed 270 out 800 doctors who have yet to find jobs following the completion of their community service.
Many doctors were left disgruntled that the department could not provide posts for them and marched to the union buildings last month. However, some progress has been made as Phaahla said provinces advertised 1 100 new posts and the process to employ new doctors will continue until the end of March, IOL reported.
He said they have been working with medical associations to identify doctors who still needed to be taken in by the department.
Phaahla said Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana allocated an additional R3.7 billion to employ the doctors, and the new funds would get 800 doctors into the department.
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“As a result of this, as of yesterday just out of 800 who had submitted their details just 270 of those had just received appointment letters. We are certain that by the of March most , if not all, who have indicated interests they will be able to get a placement,” said Phaahla.
According to EWN, provincial governments are working with two medical unions to assess the number of medical staff seeking work in the public sector.
“All the provinces have now been able to advertise posts, and we also make sure those who want to work in the public service apply. And we are comparing notes on a weekly basis to see these are the posts advertised, this is the list of people that we have.” he said.
Phaahla has defended the government’s Cuban medical study programme, saying it does well to train South African doctors in primary health care.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
