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A Shot in the Arm: South Africa’s Health System Gets Jobs and Equipment Boost
Time to read: 01:10
Published: 10 April 2025
South Africa’s Health Minister, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, has announced the creation of 1,650 new healthcare positions and a R1.346 billion investment in hospital equipment.
The new posts include 1,200 for doctors, 200 for nurses, and 250 for other healthcare professionals. Recruitment will begin once final logistical arrangements are in place. These positions are expected to cost approximately R1.78 billion.
Speaking at a media briefing, Dr. Motsoaledi said the department plans to address critical shortages in public hospitals by procuring 1.4 million hospital items. These include 25,000 specialised hospital beds (R725 million), 80,000 mattresses (R38.7 million), 76,525 bassinets for newborns (R309.5 million), and 1.25 million linen items such as bedsheets and pillows (R273 million).
He emphasised that improvements in hospital services—not just clinical care—are essential to closing the gap between public and private healthcare.
On HIV treatment, the minister acknowledged concerns following funding cuts to PEPFAR and USAID. While international donors cannot replace lost funding, the Global Fund has authorised R1 billion for antiretroviral (ARV) procurement. Dr. Motsoaledi assured the public that buffer stocks are available to prevent any treatment disruptions.
Addressing the issue of unemployed doctors, he noted that over 1,800 remain jobless, with actual figures likely higher. He reiterated that employment is limited by the government’s financial capacity.
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Addressing the issue of unemployed doctors, he noted that over 1,800 remain jobless, with actual figures likely higher.
He reiterated that the government’s financial capacity limits employment.
No media briefing would be complete without mention of the NHI. Dr. Motsoaledi confirmed ongoing legal challenges to the National Health Insurance legislation from groups including Solidarity, BHF, SAPPF, HASA, and SAMA. He stressed that reform is a long-term process—not a one-off solution.
This article was compiled with information obtained from various sources including:
10 April | The Citizen | Motsoaledi announces 1 650 new healthcare jobs and R1.3bn to be spent on hospital equipment
ENCA | 10 April | Health Department Greenlights the Hiring of 1200 New Doctors
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