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Junior Doctor Unemployment Crisis Escalates: SAMA Calls on Doctors to Participate in Survey
Time to read: 00:56
Published: 20 January 2025
The South African Medical Association (SAMA) has raised the alarm over the escalating unemployment of junior doctors, a crisis highlighted by protests involving over 1,800 doctors in the Eastern Cape.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, responding to the protests, reiterated that the government is not obligated to employ junior doctors after their mandatory internships and community service. He attributed the inability to hire to severe budget constraints, suggesting that affected doctors explore opportunities in the private sector or establish their own practices.
These remarks have drawn sharp criticism from SAMA, the Junior Doctors Association of South Africa (Judasa), and protesting doctors, who argue that the government is failing to honour commitments, particularly regarding bursary agreements that stipulate post-community service employment. Eastern Cape Health officials confirmed the lack of funds for hiring, a reflection of broader fiscal challenges facing the healthcare sector.
SAMA warned that the growing unemployment among junior doctors exacerbates critical staff shortages, overburdening healthcare workers and compromising the quality of care. Judasa Chairperson Dr Ruhann Botha added that this crisis will severely hinder specialist training, further weakening the system.
SAMA emphasised that urgent action is required to resolve the crisis and has not ruled out pursuing legal action if the situation remains unaddressed.
To better understand the extent of the crisis, SAMA has launched a survey to gather data on hospital vacancies nationwide. The survey will provide insights into post allocations and unfilled positions, helping to address the issue.
Doctors are encouraged to participate via this link.
For more stories like this
8 December 2024 | Health Department Successfully Completes Placement of Medical Interns and Community Service Officers for 2025
20 November 2024 | Stalled Agreement Between Gauteng Health Department and Wits University Threatens Medical Training and Hospital Management
This story was compiled from various resources, including:
17 January 2025 | EWN | Video Interview with Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi
12 January 2025 | News24| No state funding as major shortage of doctors looms
10 January 2025 | News24| 'Employ us': Unemployed Eastern Cape doctors reject province's request to suspend picket
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