The National Health Department announced that 8 403 medical graduates have been placed for the 2025 annual cycle in record time, without significant challenges.
These young individuals consist of 2 108 medical interns and 6 295 community service personnel.
The health professionals are expected to commence their duties in January.
The National Health Department confirmed that all categories in the medic scene were successfully placed except 73 environmental health officers.
These categories include community service doctors, diagnostic radiographers, physiotherapists, psychologists, dentists, and pharmacists.
The department is currently in discussion with the South African Local Government Association (Salga) and the Border Management Authority (BMA), as the entities tasked with employing this category of health workers.
At least 6 740 of the total number of applicants were allocated within their five choices, while 768 were placed in one of their preferred three provinces.
While 7 701 of the health workers have accepted their placements, some applicants have appealed against their placement.
A total of 1 520 applicants for special considerations have been assisted accordingly, which led to 1 399 people being successfully placed within their five choices.
“It is necessary at this stage to clarify the fact that while the nation urgently needs more health inspectors in the face of foodborne illnesses and deaths afflicting especially children in our country, the department is working closely with other government departments and stakeholders to find a long-lasting solution,” said the department.
In partnership with the provincial departments of health coordinators and professional associations/unions, the department kicked off plans for next year’s annual cycle allocation at a workshop held in July.
These stakeholders were invited to participate in the process of reviewing the Internship and Community Service Placement Guidelines (ICSP) to improve the experience of users.
“The stakeholder involvement was underpinned by transparency with the department ensuring that it was accessible for clarity, engaging regularly, and updating final year students throughout the allocation process. The plan was adhered to with minor variations,” said the department.
It intended to release the results of placement by the end of October.
Twelve placement categories were announced on September 27, and the last set of placements was released on October 25.
The ICSP system is bounded by transparency ethos, which allows applicants to appeal against their placement.
“The department continues to engage all critical stakeholders to assist with the placements of those in the community service category that are still not yet allocated.
“In the meantime, the provincial departments of health have started the process to prepare appointment letters for all those that have accepted their placements.
“This also demonstrates a responsive and caring government,” said the department.
The Star