Latest news with #CraigComrie
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Profmed steps in as 1,800 qualified South Africa doctors face job and healthcare crisis
Far too many doctors, after years of study and service, are left without work, income, or even access to healthcare. This is according to Profmed chief executive officer, Craig Comrie. South African statistics alone reflect that, as of early 2025, between 1,500 and 1,800 doctors who completed their community service were unemployed and unable to secure positions in the public health sector – this, despite healthcare facilities reporting vacancy rates of between 5% and 22%. This stands in stark contrast to the country's dire need for medical professionals. South Africa has an average of just 0.31 doctors per 1,000 people – a figure well below the World Health Organization's recommended minimum of one doctor per 1,000. This mismatch highlights a troubling paradox: newly qualified doctors are struggling to find employment in a system that is simultaneously overwhelmed and understaffed. Supporting young professionals To better support young, qualified doctors and dentists under 30 who are unemployed or recently employed, Comrie is proud to announce the company's new initiative: an offering of 12 months of free medical aid to young, qualified doctors and dentists under 30 who are unemployed or recently employed. To qualify, candidates must have completed their community service in the past two years and either be unemployed or have been employed within the last six months. Furthermore, candidates must register on the finDR platform – a Profmed initiative that places young medical professionals in locum or permanent roles across the country, offers mentorship, and connects them with a community of professionals committed to making a difference. 'This is about more than just medical aid,' says Comrie. 'It's about making sure our young healthcare professionals don't fall through the cracks as they take their first steps into a demanding but vital career. 'We've heard from far too many doctors who, after years of study and community service, are left without work, income, or even the ability to access private healthcare. That's unacceptable, and it's something we're stepping in to change. Providing this kind of support is critical as they transition into the medical profession.' Platform gains traction Profmed officially launched the finDR platform in February 2025. The initial rollout of finDR included an offer of six months of free Profmed medical aid to the first 500 doctors who signed up. Since its launch, finDR has seen significant engagement, with over 560 doctors registering within the first week. The platform's intelligent matching system ensures that placements are aligned with doctors' qualifications, locations, and preferences while making it easier for practices to fill staffing gaps and reduce patient waiting times. "With this new campaign, Profmed is expanding its support and doubling down on its commitment to the country's young professionals," Comrie says. "This offer is our way of saying: you matter. Your career matters. And we're here to help you take that next step, securely and with dignity.' However, Comrie cautions that the need for employment among doctors is even greater than Profmed had anticipated: 'The response to finDR has been phenomenal. With this new campaign, Profmed is expanding its support and doubling down on its commitment to the country's young professionals. "Over 800 qualified doctors have already joined the platform, proving how urgently it's needed."
TimesLIVE
04-06-2025
- General
- TimesLIVE
Young doctors and dentists offered free medical aid cover for a year
Young doctors and dentists making the tough transition from study to practice are eligible for 12 months of free medical aid cover from Profmed. The medical scheme said eligible candidates must be under the age of 30, must have completed community service in the past two years and are either unemployed or have found work within the previous six months. The initiative is linked to finDR, a digital platform launched by Profmed to connect newly qualified medical professionals with job placements across the country as locums and in permanent positions. More than 800 qualified doctors are on the platform. 'This isn't only about benefits,' said Profmed CEO Craig Comrie. 'It's about ensuring young professionals don't fall through the cracks. 'We've heard from far too many doctors who, after years of study and community service, are left without work, income or the ability to access private health care. That's unacceptable.' This comes amid concerns about the pressure young doctors work under, prompting a call for healthcare professionals to recognise the risk of burnout and depression by Dr Bavi Vythilingum, a psychiatrist practising at a Netcare Akeso clinic in Kenilworth, Cape Town. 'It is deeply concerning that at least 50% to 60% of healthcare professionals will experience depression at some point during their working lives. Junior doctors are particularly vulnerable, and their risk for depression and burnout seems to be increasing. 'One of the factors that contributes to burnout is work overload as doctors are expected to do more and more within the same amount of time. 'Beyond patient consultations, they face a growing mountain of paperwork, from medical aid forms and insurance requirements to documentation and providing clinical feedback on patients with complex medical needs.' Vythilingum said doctors are expected to never fall ill physically and with their mental health. 'We are expected to keep going, no matter what. This means many doctors don't seek mental health care when they need it, often because they are afraid this reflects negatively on their competence or ability to practice. 'Tragically, doctors often wait until they can't cope before seeking mental healthcare, and by then it becomes more difficult for us to help, where earlier intervention could have prevented such a serious decline that it may affect all areas of their lives. 'Like their patients, doctors must feel empowered to seek help early, whether through confidential counselling, peer support groups or mental health resources tailored to healthcare professionals.' Netcare invited South Africans to join an international awareness movement aimed at increasing support for mental health for medical professionals. 'Everyone is encouraged to wear colourful, mismatched or otherwise attention-grabbing socks to mark Crazy Socks 4 Docs on the first Friday in June every year,' the hospital group said.
