Government Approves 1,650 New Healthcare Jobs and R1.3 Billion for Hospitals

In a move aimed at strengthening South Africa’s public health system, Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi has confirmed the approval of over 1,600 new healthcare positions and the allocation of more than R1.3 billion to improve hospital equipment. Speaking during a briefing in Centurion on Thursday, the minister described the effort as a critical step toward addressing staffing shortages and improving patient care in public facilities.

The announcement follows widespread concern over unemployed doctors and poor conditions in hospitals, which have long frustrated communities and health professionals alike. Motsoaledi revealed that 1,200 posts will be opened for doctors, 200 for nurses, and 250 for other healthcare workers. The new appointments are expected to cost around R1.78 billion. Recruitment is scheduled to start once administrative processes are finalised.

R1.3 billion investment in essential equipment

Addressing the chronic shortages of medical items in hospitals, the department will procure 1.4 million pieces of equipment for public facilities. This includes 25,000 hospital beds worth R725 million, 80,000 mattresses costing R38.7 million, 76,525 bassinets at R309.5 million, and 1.25 million linen items valued at R273 million. In total, the investment will amount to R1.346 billion.

Motsoaledi said these purchases are essential for restoring dignity to public healthcare, referencing past incidents where babies were placed in cardboard boxes at Mahikeng Hospital due to the lack of proper equipment. With cuts to Pepfar and USAid funding from the United States, concerns have emerged over the availability of antiretroviral (ARV) medication. Motsoaledi reassured the public that R1 billion worth of ARVs will be purchased using support from the Global Fund.

He admitted the loss of jobs tied to the funding was unfortunate but insisted that South Africa’s buffer stock of ARVs would ensure that treatment continues without disruption. “No person needing ARVs would lack medication,” he said.

The minister acknowledged that the number of unemployed doctors in South Africa exceeds current estimates, citing financial constraints as a limiting factor for hiring more professionals. While around 1,800 doctors are reported to be without work, Motsoaledi said the real figure is even higher.

“If we had the money to employ every South African healthcare worker, we would,” he added, noting that the shortage of doctors is a global issue, with only a few exceptions like Cuba.

Legal pushback against the NHI continues

Motsoaledi also addressed the growing legal opposition to the National Health Insurance (NHI) legislation. The department has submitted responses to court challenges brought by groups including Solidarity and the Board of Healthcare Funders, with more cases from private health organisations such as HASA and SAMA also underway.

He stressed that while legal challenges were anticipated, the government remains committed to implementing NHI over time. “Fixing healthcare won’t happen in one year, but this is a critical first step,” said Motsoaledi.

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