The Department of Health has concluded the process of placing the medical interns and community service applicants on the Internship and Community Service Programme (ICSP) due to commence in January 2024, and all successful applicants have been notified accordingly.
The Department received a total number of 10 386 applications through an online application system. This number consists of 10 228 South African citizens including permanent residents and 158 foreign nationals.
A total number of 9 395 applicants were successfully placed, and this includes medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health professionals at health facilities throughout the country.
Majority of posts were allocated to rural and underserved areas in line with the philosophy of promoting access to Universal Health Care.
Therefore, applicants are encouraged to take up those positions where they are allocated to serve the people of South Africa.
The Department has tried hard to accommodate the applicant choices of placement. However, it is impossible for everyone to be placed according to their choice areas and provinces of preference.
The allocation process was conducted in line of the relevant employment laws and guidelines which prescribe that priority should be given to qualifying South African citizens, followed by permanent residents and lastly foreign nationals who wished to pursue their career in South Africa.
Lastly, the department would like to urge all students who wish to further their health science studies outside the country to ensure the institutions they wish to enrol at, offer academic programmes that are aligned to the curriculum eligible for registration with the relevant South African statutory bodies to prevent avoidable registration challenges once they complete training.
Media enquiries:
Foster Mohale
Cell: 072 432 3792
E-mail: Foster.mohale@health.gov.za
Mr Doctor Tshwale
Media Liaison Officer for Health Minister
National Health Department
Cell: 063 657 8487
E-mail: Doctor.Tshwale@health.gov.za
