No budget to employ all medical graduates - Phaahla
Minister of Health Joe Phaahla says the department cannot employ every recently qualified health professional in the public sector.
Phaahla briefed the media on Monday morning amid growing concerns over the number of medical graduates who cannot find employment despite the staff shortages at public health facilities.
The minister said his department has also been affected by budget cuts as the state looks to curb spending.
“I wish to state from the outset that it is the wish of government, and especially the Department of Health, to employ as many health professionals as possible to play a meaningful role in the public health system of the country. This includes medical doctors, either recently qualified or those who have acquired experience over a period of time. It is important to emphasise this because recently qualified doctors still need the support of those who have gained a lot of practical experience.
“The second point to emphasise is that healthcare service is delivered in health facilities by a team of health workers, and medical doctors are an integral part of these teams. The issue of doctors who wish to stay in public service employment is of major concern to us as the department. Hence, we are doing everything possible, working with the provincial health departments to mobilise resources to fund vacant posts, especially in health facilities in underserved communities," added Phaahla.
He said the National Treasury allocates funding for internships and community service through a conditional grant for training.
"Due to the fact that, unlike internship and community service, which are a statutory requirement and are subject to placement by the Department of Health, independent practitioners have an individual choice of where to go. We are unable to know how many wish to stay in the public service until the numbers are collated by the medical associations and unions.
“It is important for me to indicate that whilst the phenomenon of rising numbers of unemployed graduates is being experienced across many sectors, in the public health sector, the employment of health professionals has been on a steady increase.”
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