PRETORIA — The Department of Health has successfully finalized the allocation of internships and community service positions for the 2024 mid-year cycle, targeting eligible health professionals who missed out during the regular January allocation period. This adjustment caters to those whose academic qualifications were pending, ensuring compliance with the legal requirements for medical internships and community service in the country.

According to South African Government News Agency, the allocation process included 885 medical doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, who are now set to begin their roles at various provinces and health facilities from 17 July 2024. This initiative is part of a broader effort to manage the placement of health professionals effectively, addressing the academic delays and eligibility issues from the start of the year.

The department has emphasized that while every effort was made to match applicants with their preferred locations, constraints such as limited posts have made it impossible to accommodate everyone's first choice. The contracting process with the provinces is underway and is expected to conclude by the end of June.

Further complicating the allocation were the ongoing adjustments needed to place community service medical doctors, physiotherapists, and speech therapists. The Department of Health is actively working with provincial authorities to convert or repurpose excess posts from other fields to accommodate these remaining professionals.

Priority in the placement process is given to qualifying South African citizens, followed by permanent residents, and then foreign nationals who seek to pursue their medical careers in South Africa, in accordance with employment laws and guidelines.

The Department of Health assures that it will continue to update all involved parties on the progress and any further developments in the allocation process.