FROZEN POSTS: Qualified doctors desperate for jobs as KZN’s public hospitals go understaffed
They are qualified, ready and willing to serve their communities. But scores of doctors in KwaZulu-Natal are becoming increasingly desperate because of a lack of posts in government hospitals and clinics.
In KwaZulu-Natal, a shortage of government hospital positions has left many qualified doctors desperate for employment. Dr Tholumusa Sibiya, who graduated in 2022, struggled to find a job in the public healthcare sector despite doing internships and community service. He is not alone, as there are reportedly over a hundred recently qualified doctors in KwaZulu-Natal searching for work.
Many have turned to locums in private practices or private hospitals to make ends meet, but face significant struggles, including financial hardship and mental health issues. The situation has been exacerbated by the government's focus on sending doctors overseas and prioritising Cuban-trained doctors for jobs. Unemployed doctors are turning to WhatsApp groups to share job opportunities and support each other through this challenging time.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
