Question NW3320 to the Minister of Health
03 November 2023 - NW3320
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether he will furnish Mrs M O Clarke with a list of all the critical skills vacancies in each province; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) (a) by what date will the specified vacancies be filled and (b) what is the total annual cost of each position?
Reply:
The Department of Home Affairs compiles a list of critical skills needed in the country as their reference for approving work permits. The current Home Affairs Critical list as published 2022 includes only Medical and Nursing Specialists for Health services.
The Department of Health provides essential services to the country. This is based on the nature of services being provided. It is imperative to note that ideally the Department of Health wishes to fill all health care worker posts in order to improve the health outcomes of the population.
(1)-(2) Due to current financial constrains that are also affecting human resources budgets, Provinces annually appoint Employment Recruitment Teams lead by Heads of Health Departments or delegated officials at senior positions to develop recruitment plans prioritising the filling of critical posts with a required skills mix to address the burden of diseases at all our levels of care guarding against overspending on provided/available budgets.
Annexure A as attached is provincial submission of prioritised posts per province with envisaged dates to fill the posts and total costs per province. Outstanding province Free is Gauteng.
END.