The plight of unemployed doctors is uncalled for

The medical profession is one of the most sought-after job segments in South Africa, but that may change soon. Like their engineering counterparts, doctors too are staring at unemployment.

The Department of Health’s refusal to post qualified doctors across the country is taking its toll on our healthcare system.

South Africa suffers from a dreadful doctor-to-patient ratio. Having unemployed doctors does not make sense in a country where there is such a shortage of doctors.

It’s regrettable that we have wellqualified, fully trained new graduates who are ready to work but can’t give back to society because of factors beyond their control.

Many doctors are unemployed after applying multiple times to the department to start their compulsory year of community service. It’s either doctors are not appointed in time or those appointed are not paid in time.

Where does our minister of health want doctors to work? The private sector does not want to hire them due to their lack of experience and experience is gained in the public sector, which refuses to hire them.

E Peek, Glenwood, Durban