In a major step toward improving South Africa’s public healthcare system, the National Health Council has approved the recruitment of 1 200 new doctors. This landmark decision aims to address the critical shortage of medical professionals in the country’s public health sector.
The announcement was made by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, following the national budget presentation by the Finance Minister on 12 March 2025. The new budget allocates R1.78 billion specifically for the recruitment of healthcare workers, marking a significant investment in the future of public health.
Public Healthcare Employment Expanded
In addition to the 1 200 doctors, the government will also hire 200 nurses and 250 other healthcare professionals. These roles will support overburdened health facilities and help meet the increasing demand for quality medical care across South Africa.
Motsoaledi confirmed that recruitment processes will begin shortly once all necessary logistics are in place. Human Resources departments at national and provincial levels will lead the hiring drive.
“This year began with widespread concern over the employment situation of healthcare professionals, particularly doctors, amid major staffing shortages in the public system,” said Motsoaledi. “We believe this marks a turning point for the sector.”
Improving Hospital Infrastructure and Patient Care
Alongside the recruitment drive, the Council has also approved a significant investment in basic hospital infrastructure to improve patient experiences.
The Department of Health will be purchasing:
25,000 hospital beds
80,000 mattresses
7,655 bassinets for newborn babies
1.25 million units of linen, including sheets and pillows
The total investment amounts to R1.346 billion.
Motsoaledi acknowledged past incidents such as the widely reported case at Mahikeng Hospital, where newborns were placed in cardboard boxes due to equipment shortages. “We remember these incidents with a sense of shame. This investment aims to restore dignity in our healthcare facilities,” he said.
Human Resource Policy Overhaul in Healthcare
The National Health Council is also reviewing outdated human resources policies that may be limiting the efficiency and effectiveness of public healthcare delivery. Four key policies are under review:
Remunerative Work Outside the Public Service (RWOPS):
Currently regulates permission for public healthcare employees to do paid work outside their main duties.
Overtime Policy:
Deals with fixed compensation for healthcare professionals working extended hours.
Community Service Policy:
Focuses on the deployment of medical practitioners for compulsory service in designated areas.
Rural Allowance Policy:
Provides incentives for doctors and healthcare professionals serving in remote rural areas.
According to Motsoaledi, some of these policies were adopted in the early post-apartheid era and may no longer serve their intended purpose. “Many of them have created unnecessary costs without tangible results. In some cases, they have weakened the public sector’s ability to deliver quality services.”
A dedicated committee, established under the National Health Act of 2003, has been tasked with reviewing these policies and proposing reforms that reflect the current healthcare landscape.
A Promising Future for Health Sector Careers
This recruitment initiative signals renewed commitment by the government to strengthen the public health workforce and improve healthcare delivery for millions of South Africans.
For aspiring and qualified healthcare professionals, this move opens the door to job opportunities in government hospitals, community clinics, and rural health facilities.
If you are a doctor, nurse, or healthcare worker seeking employment, keep an eye out for upcoming government job advertisements and recruitment notices.
Careers in public health are vital to the well-being of the nation—and now is the time to make a difference.
