The critical shortage of medical staff in the Northern Cape Department of Health was alleviated by the placement of 308 medical interns and community service professionals.
These interns, community service professionals and nurses, who will be placed in various health facilities in the province, was welcomed by the MEC of Health, Maruping Lekwene, at the Robert Sobukwe Hospital on 4 January.
In November the burn-out of medical professionals due to staff shortages – as well as the trauma it is causing them and their patients – was highlighted in yet another protest action by doctors, other medical staff and organised labour.
Two senior doctors at the hospital said they were relieved about the placements.
“I actually feel optimistic about the coming year,” one said.
Another one said the two vacant posts in his unit were filled.
According to a statement of the department, these young professionals will now do their academic medical practice in different fields.
Their placement is administered at a total cost of more than R207 million.
The Internship and Community Service Programme is administered by the National Department of Health to ensure the application and allocation of posts is fair and equitable.
The programme’s purpose is to allow interns to convert their theoretical knowledge into activities related to professional practice and to apply their newly acquired practical knowledge and skills under the supervision of senior health professionals. Its duration is two years.
It was introduced to ensure the availability of human resources in underserviced areas and to provide an environment for new professionals to acquire experience.
Health professionals are legally required to complete a year of community service before they can be registered for independent practice.
