In this regard, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi explained this is possible thanks to the allocation of 1.78 billion rand (approximately US$93 million) for staff recruitment by the Ministry of Finance.

According to Motsoaledi, in addition to the 1,200 doctors, 200 nurses and 250 other healthcare professionals will be hired.

“Earlier this year, the country became aware of widespread discontent with the employment of healthcare professionals, especially doctors, amid a shortage in the public healthcare system,” he said. The Minister added that the Council emphasized its commitment to addressing the challenges facing the sector to ensure adequate staffing is available to provide at least essential services.

In addition to the recruitment of professionals, the Council authorized the procurement of 25,000 beds, 80,000 mattresses, 7,655 newborn cots, and 1.25 billion sheets for a total of 1.346 billion rand (just over $70 million).

The Minister also revealed that what he called outdated policies in the sector are being reviewed. These include the policy on paid work outside the public service, the current policy on overtime work, the policy on community service, and the rural allowance policy.

The Council is a statutory body composed of the Minister of Health, the nine Military Health Councils (MECs), the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), and the Director-General of Public Health of the South African Military Health Services.

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