Solidarity concerned about Health Dept's inability to absorb junior doctors in public health system
Solidarity said young doctors in the country resort to finding jobs overseas due to government's inability to retain them in the in the public health system once they graduate.
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JOHANNESBURG - Trade union Solidarity said the lack of a clear plan to retain doctors in the public sector once they complete community service is extremely concerning.
This follows Health Minister Joe Phaahla's briefing earlier this week, addressing the Health Department's measures to address unemployment in the sector.
The country has over 800 unemployed doctors, despite it being a scarce skill in the country.
READ: Health Dept working hard to find vacancies for unemployed doctors
Solidarity said young doctors in the country resort to finding jobs overseas due to government's inability to retain them in the public health system once they graduate.
Minister Phaahla has attributed the worrisome unemployment of doctors to budget constraints.
He said there is a budget set for internships and community service, as those are a requirement by law.
However, once these young doctors leave the system it becomes a challenge to hire them as a result of funds.
However, said the union, budget constraints have always been a factor and the department should be working to prioritise the employment of these doctors.
It said should this continue South Africa will be left with a crisis in the healthcare sector.