Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi, announced during a media briefing in Centurion on Thursday, 10 April 2025 at 14:00, that the public health sector is set to create a major boost with the new creation of 1,650 jobs for healthcare professionals.
Motsoaledi was joined by provincial MECs to discuss various health issues. The issues at hand included the recruitment of doctors and health professionals and the procurement of health equipment, among many other issues.
1,650 health professionals jobs creation
“The council has approved job advertisements for 1,200 doctors, 200 nurses, and 250 other healthcare professionals, with the human resources unit set to commence recruitment processes soon,” said the health minister.
Following numerous protests held countrywide, calling for a greater focus on job creation in the industry. “Early this year, the country experienced widespread dissatisfaction with the employment of healthcare professionals, particularly doctors. This is amid a shortage in the public healthcare system early this year,” he further mentioned.
In response to this, the health minister mentioned that his department faced budgetary constraints. This is due to consistent economic measures that were implemented.
Motsoaledi mentioned that the decision aligns with the finance minister’s March 2025 budget speech.
R1,3 billion investment in basic hospital necessities
In addition to addressing job creation, Motsoaledi announced an investment in the procurement of health equipment. He also highlighted the significant contrast between public and private healthcare experiences.
An additional R1,3 billion will be allocated for basic hospital necessities. Namely, beds, mattresses, pillows, sheets, linen, and bassinets for newborns.
The health minister mentioned past incidentsthat motivated these purchases. Such as the “sense of shame” experienced when babies were placed in cardboard boxes at Mahikeng Hospital in the North West province.
Additionally, he noted the public health sector has faced a significant challenge. This is due to a lack of basic amenities that will make the stay of patients a worthwhile experience.
Continued supply of ARVs
Motsoaledi also addressed concerns about antiretroviral (ARV) medication supplies. This follows United States President Donald Trump’s cuts to the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding. ARVs are essential for HIV treatment.
Motsoaledi promised continued treatment for HIV-positive people despite the American funding cuts. “The Global Fund has given us permission to order R1 billion worth of ARVs,” he said. In addition to this, the minister attributed this to the first major assistance that he had received despite numerous promises.
Furthermore, he clarified that the country maintains a buffer stock of ARVs, thus assuring that no person in need of ARVs would lack medication.
Hinders to provision of quality services addressed
Mostoaledi further announced a review of outdated human resources policies. He claimed they have increased costs and hindered the public sector’s ability to provide high-quality services.
“A 10-member review committee, including senior academics and policy experts, are appointed to address the situation and ensure a positive outcome,” he said.
Has the minister addressed unemployment among health professionals efficiently?
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