Amid a critical move to address the significant shortage of health professionals in the public health system, the National Health Council has announced the approval of 200 new positions for physicians.
This decision comes after years of budget constraints that hinder the employment of healthcare professionals despite frustration and urgent needs.
The announcement of Health Minister Dr. Aaron Mossoaredi follows the presentation of a new budget by the Finance Minister on March 12, 2025, and allocated R1.78 billion to fund the recruitment of health workers.
Motsoaledi said that in addition to one doctor, Congress has approved the employment of 200 nurses and 250 other healthcare professionals.
He told journalists that once all logistics are finalized, the HR unit will soon begin with the recruitment process.
“Early this year, the country awakened widespread dissatisfaction with medical professionals, particularly (a) the employment of doctors amidst the shortage of the public health system,” he said.
However, Motsoaledi believes the development will mark a turning point for the public health sector, which has struggled to meet the demands of the growing population.
The council’s decision is expected to reduce pressure on existing health facilities and improve citizens’ access to quality healthcare.
Meanwhile, he said the council highlighted its commitment to addressing the challenges facing the system and ensuring that the sector is staffed appropriately to provide essential services.
The Council is a statutory body consisting of the Minister of Health, nine Health MECs, the Association of Local Governments of South Africa (SALGA) and surgeons from the Military Health Services of South Africa.
Dealing with shortages
“One of the most embarrassing experiences the public health sector has had to endure is the lack of simple things that make a patient’s stay a valuable experience.
“In fact, one of the biggest differences between the public and private sectors is the hotel services that feature the issues we just mentioned,” Motsoaledi said.
He said the council has decided to purchase a total of R1.346 million R150 million, including 25,000 beds, 80,000 mattresses, 7,655 bassinets for new babies, and bed sheets and pillows.
“So we would like to announce each state how that need (is) checked for newborns in the form of hospital beds and bassinets. We are ashamed of how the baby was placed in the cardboard box at Mahiken Hospital in Northwest Province.”
HR Policy Review
Meanwhile, Motsoaledi said at a council meeting held last November that several decisions to review “outdated” human resource policies had been made.
“There are many health policies adopted at the dawn of democracy, but I believe they are now outdated or no longer serve the purpose they intended. Some of them have created unnecessary costs without any concrete benefits.
Four health policies are currently under review, including policies on non-public services compensation work. This outlines regulations for employees who want to obtain a paid work permit beyond their normal responsibilities.
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The committee established in terms of section 91(1) of the National Health Act of 2003 (Article 61, 2003) is read in section 91(2) of the same Act. This is related to established fixed payments for overtime hours where operational professionals work, and is intended to address operational demands and skills shortages.
Additionally, community service policies will be considered, focusing on healthcare professional deployments and rural allowance policies designed for practitioners serving in remote rural locations.
Members of the committee include Dr. Kasius Rubisi, Professor Shibongir Muchunu, Professor Letitia Rispel, Professor Eric Buck, Dr. Terence Carter, Dr. Rajen Moraal, Professor Binu Luke, Professor Nomvla Marawa, Professor Bushijwe Nakama and Professor Somadoda Fikeni.
