Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has announced that the allocation of medical graduates eligible for internships in the 2025 annual cycle has been completed without any major issues.
According to the department, 8 403 young health professionals have been successfully placed.
This group includes 2 108 medical interns and 6 295 who will be completing their community service.
All of them are expected to begin their duties in January of next year.
All categories, including community service doctors, diagnostic radiographers, radiotherapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, dentists, and pharmacists, were successfully placed apart from 73 environmental health officers.
The department announced that it was in discussions with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Border Management Authority (BMA), as these entities are responsible for employing this category of health workers.
At least 6 740 of the applicants were allocated within their five choices, and a further 768 were placed in one of their three provinces of choice.
Despite some of the applicants still appealing against their placements, the department said 7 701 of the applicants have since accepted their placements.
Meanwhile, 1 520 applicants for special considerations have been assisted, while 1 399 have been successfully placed within their five choices.
“It is necessary at this stage to clarify the fact that while the nation is crying out for the appointment of more health inspectors in the face of foodborne illnesses and deaths afflicting especially children in our country, the department is working closely with other government departments and stakeholders to find a long-lasting solution,” said the department.
The plans for this 2025 annual cycle allocation kicked off with the National Department of Health hosting a three-day workshop in July this year.
This was done in partnership with provincial departments of health coordinators and professional associations or unions.
These stakeholders were invited to participate in the process of reviewing the internship and community service placement guidelines to improve the experience of the users.
“The stakeholder involvement was underpinned by transparency with the department ensuring that it was accessible for clarity, engaging regularly and updating final year students throughout the allocation process. The plan was adhered to with minor variations.
“The ultimate target was to release the results of placement by the end of October.”
The Internship and Community Service Programme (ICSP) system runs on transparency, also allowing applicants to appeal against the results of placement where necessary.
“The department continues to engage all critical stakeholders to assist with the placements of those in the community service category that are still not yet allocated.”
In the meantime, the Provincial Departments of Health have started the process of preparing appointment letters for all those who have accepted their placements.
“This also demonstrates a responsive and caring government. The applicants will now enjoy their oath-taking ceremonies and Christmas festivities with their families knowing where they will be assuming duty on 1st January 2025.” – SAnews.gov.za
