These policies have long guided the working conditions of medical professionals in the public health sector.

The community service policy, introduced in 1998, mandates that health professionals complete 12 months of community service and 24 months of medical internship through paid work within the public sector. Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria, Gauteng province, Motsoaledi said the decision to review the policies was taken late last year.

“In the National Health Council meeting held on November 28 and 29 2024, this matter was discussed very thoroughly. A decision was then taken that these policies need to be reviewed,” he said.

The Minister added: “As the Minister of Health, I appointed a review committee in terms of Section 91, subsection one of the National Health Act of 2003, Act 61 of 2003, read with Section 91, subsection 2 of the same Act. I appointed a team of people who will do this review work.”

The review process aims to address concerns raised by healthcare workers and stakeholders, and to align the policies with the evolving needs of the country’s public health system.

--ChannelAfrica--