Pretoria: Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, is pleased to announce that the
allocation of medical graduates that are eligible for internship in 2025 annual cycle has been completed within a record time with no major hiccups. A total of 8403 young health professionals have been successfully placed. This number consists of 2108 Medical Interns and 6 295 Community Service who are expected to commence their duties in January next year.
All categories, including Community Service Doctors, Diagnostic Radiographers,
Radiotherapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Dentists and Pharmacists were
successfully placed with the exception of environmental health officers (73 of them) and the department is currently in discussion with SALGA and Border Management Authority as they are the entities tasked with employing this category of health workers.
At least 6740 of the total number of the applicants was allocated within their five
choices and a further 768 placed in one of their 3 provinces of choice. Despite some of the applicants still appealing against their placements, as provided for in the policy, 7701 of the applicants have since accepted their placements. Furthermore, a total number of 1520 applicants for special considerations have been assisted accordingly, hence 1399 have been successfully placed within their 5 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.
The plans for this 2025 annual cycle allocation kicked off with National Department of Health hosting a three-day workshop on from 03 to 05 July 2024. This was done in partnership with Provincial Departments of Health Coordinators and Professional Associations/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. This was achieved as results for 12 categories were announced on 27th September and the last category released on 25th October 2024.
The Internship and Community Service Programme (ICSP) system runs on
transparency, also giving applicants an opportunity 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 to prepare appointment letters for all those that 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