Scores of newly qualified doctors in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province say they cannot find jobs in public hospitals and clinics, the health publication Spotlight reports via AllAfrica.
Dr Tholumusa Sibiya, from Ingwavuma, qualified in 2022 and completed his internship and community service but has been applying for public posts since October last year without success. He estimates more than 100 recently qualified doctors are seeking work in the province alone, while others put the figure closer to 200. He now relies on locum shifts at private hospitals without a contract.
Doctors describe financial hardship and depression in WhatsApp support groups, with some waiting up to three years for a post. Those on government bursaries question why the state funds their training but then offers no jobs. Specialist training requires working in a public facility, so the shortage also blocks career progression.
Source: Spotlight via AllAfrica
