R20bn to hire 800 doctors
The government has set aside more than R20bn to save thousands of jobs in the public health sector, including hiring 800 more doctors.
This was announced by finance minister Enoch Godongwana in the National Assembly on Wednesday when he tabled his latest version of the 2025/2026 budget, dubbed budget 3.0.
He told MPs R20.8bn would be added to the budget of the health department in the next three years, or the medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF).
Government has recently come under fire for not hiring unemployed doctors who have completed their community service while there are serious staff shortages at state hospitals around the country.
The unemployed medical graduates recently resorted to a protest to highlight their joblessness.
'The health sector is provisionally allocated R20.8bn to cover compensation and essential services. This funding will facilitate the employment of 800 doctors who have finished their community service, safeguard about 4,700 health posts and address shortages in medical goods, services and accruals.
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