Despite South Africa’s critical shortage of doctors, with barely one doctor for every 1 000 patients, the national Health Department has told jobless doctors that “at no time did it commit to finding employment for medical doctors who have completed their community service”, reports Medical Brief.
Spokesperson Foster Mohale said the department was aware there are medical doctors who are still trying to find jobs after finishing their statutory community service but added that once they had completed this service, they “are free to seek employment in workplaces of their choice”.
Under the National Health Act, however, the National Department of Health – in conjunction with the provincial Departments of Health – is responsible for the placement of internship and community service applicants, reports The Citizen….more