SA Approves 1,200 New Doctor Positions to Tackle Healthcare Shortages

“The approval of these new positions will provide much-needed relief to our hospitals and clinics, allowing us to improve access to quality healthcare for all South Africans,” said Dr. Motsoaledi.

In a landmark decision aimed at addressing the ongoing shortages in South Africa's public healthcare system, the National Health Council has approved the creation of 1,200 new doctor positions. This pivotal move, announced by Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, comes after years of budgetary limitations that hampered the recruitment of medical professionals, despite the pressing need for more healthcare workers.

The approval of these new positions follows the presentation of the country’s new national budget on March 12, 2025, which allocated a substantial R1.78 billion to fund the recruitment of healthcare workers across various sectors. Alongside the hiring of 1,200 doctors, an additional 200 nurses and 250 other healthcare professionals will also be recruited to further alleviate the pressure on the overstretched public healthcare system.

Dr. Motsoaledi expressed optimism that this development marks a turning point for the country’s healthcare system, which has struggled to meet the demands of a growing and increasingly diverse population. He noted that widespread dissatisfaction earlier this year highlighted the urgency of the issue, with many citizens voicing concerns over the inadequate staffing levels and the resulting deterioration in the quality of healthcare services, especially in rural and underdeveloped areas.

“The approval of these new positions will provide much-needed relief to our hospitals and clinics, allowing us to improve access to quality healthcare for all South Africans,” said Dr. Motsoaledi. “Our healthcare system has faced immense challenges in recent years, but this is a step toward ensuring that every citizen receives the care they deserve.”

This significant announcement comes at a time when South Africa's public healthcare sector is grappling with numerous issues, including an alarming shortage of healthcare professionals, inadequate infrastructure, and poor patient care conditions. The increase in the number of healthcare workers is expected to not only reduce the strain on existing staff but also help enhance patient experiences across the country.

To address further deficiencies, the National Health Council has also approved the purchase of crucial medical supplies. A budget of R1.346 billion has been allocated to purchase 25,000 hospital beds, 80,000 mattresses, 7,655 bassinets for newborn babies, and 1.25 million pieces of linen, including bed sheets and pillows. These supplies will help improve the conditions in hospitals and clinics, where many patients have endured subpar facilities in recent years.

Dr. Motsoaledi pointed out the embarrassing and highly publicized instances where patients, particularly newborns, were subjected to unacceptable conditions in some hospitals. In one infamous case, babies were placed in cardboard boxes at Mahikeng Hospital in North West Province. “We cannot allow this to continue,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of dignity and comfort in healthcare settings.

The National Health Council’s decision is expected to provide significant relief to both patients and healthcare workers. Hospitals, especially in underserved regions, have been facing significant staff shortages, which has led to longer waiting times, lower quality of care, and overall dissatisfaction among patients. The introduction of these new positions and resources is a crucial step in improving service delivery across the country’s public health system.

Beyond staffing and resources, the government has also announced that several outdated health policies are being reviewed. During a meeting held in November 2024, the Council agreed that certain human resources policies, many of which were enacted at the start of South Africa’s democratic era, are no longer effective in the current context. These policies have contributed to unnecessary administrative costs and have sometimes hindered the efficient delivery of healthcare services.

Among the policies under review are the remunerative work outside the public service policy, which governs permissions for healthcare workers to engage in paid work outside of their public service duties, and the overtime policy, which addresses compensation for extra hours worked by healthcare professionals. Both policies are seen as outdated and in need of revision to better meet the operational demands of the healthcare sector.

The review also includes the community service policy, which governs the deployment of medical practitioners, as well as the rural allowance policy, which provides additional financial support to medical practitioners working in remote rural areas. These policies are seen as vital to ensuring that healthcare workers are properly supported and motivated, particularly in underserved regions.

A committee, comprised of leading healthcare professionals and experts, has been tasked with reviewing these policies and recommending changes that will better serve the needs of the public healthcare system. The committee includes figures such as Dr. Cassius Lubisi, Sibongile Mchunu, Professor Laetitia Rispel, Professor Eric Buch, and several other prominent experts in healthcare and policy.

The government's commitment to improving healthcare services is clear, and these initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the urgent need for comprehensive reforms within South Africa's public health sector. By addressing staffing shortages, upgrading infrastructure, and revising outdated policies, the government aims to create a more efficient and responsive healthcare system that can meet the demands of the nation’s citizens.