Unions are questioning how government can plan doctor staffing without a national register tracking unemployed medical practitioners after community service.
The National Department of Health’s admission that it does not keep a register of unemployed doctors has drawn concern from unions, with critics questioning how the government can plan staffing and budgets without knowing how many qualified practitioners are available.
The department previously confirmed that 1 891 doctors completed compulsory community service by the end of 2025 and were eligible for employment, but said it could not determine how many remained unemployed.
“The department and the Minister have reported on numerous occasions, including responses to parliamentary questions, that there is no register or record of unemployed healthcare professionals kept by the department,” spokesperson Foster Mohale said.
At the end of March 2026, provincial Health departments had 1 518 vacant medical posts nationally.
