ActionSA has raised concerns over Gauteng Health’s R612 million annual spending on foreign healthcare professionals, questioning why unemployed South African doctors and nurses remain outside the public health system.
Gauteng Health has budgeted more than R612 million for the salaries of foreign national healthcare professionals in the 2026/2027 financial year, according to a written reply by Health MEC Faith Mazibuko.
The figures have raised questions over the province’s recruitment priorities, with ActionSA Gauteng Health and Wellness spokesperson Emma More arguing that unemployed South African doctors and nurses are being overlooked.
The written reply revealed that the department employs 551 foreign healthcare professionals, with 545 working in medical roles, including specialists, doctors, nurses and clinical technicians. The remaining six employees are in administrative positions.
Of the 551 foreign professionals, 170 are employed on permanent contracts, while 186 are in temporary positions.
