Universities to assist with securing health graduates employment
Unemployed health services graduates across the province will receive opportunities for employment after two Eastern Cape-based universities were included in an “unparalleled” health model that will see graduates getting jobs.
The national department of health appointed six universities after a closed bid invitation, where institutions with health faculties submitted proposals.
The six formed a consortium – which includes the University of Fort Hare and Nelson Mandela University – which has drawn up the model.
The department has now partnered with the consortium to implement the model.
The plan is for universities to play a role in assisting with employment of graduates, thus providing services while students complete their statutory internships and their period of community service. They will also assist with facilitating access to health facilities, services and information.
The University of Fort Hare’s dean of the faculty of health sciences, Professor Eunice Seekoe, confirmed that universities would be assisting the national health department with the employment of graduates to provide services.
Seekoe said that the university would contribute to national health reform and in the rollout of the National Health Insurance system.
“The universities will facilitate the appointment of unemployed interns and community service health practitioners including nurses, pharmacists, doctors and dieticians in collaboration with the Eastern Cape department of health.
“Both universities will roll out an NHI model in carefully selected sites in vulnerable communities in peri-urban, rural and deep rural communities,” Seekoe said.
Nelson Mandela University Professor Lungile Pepeta said: “A project such as ours ensures that not only are health facilities accessible but the requisite services are provided.”
The university consortium project was officially launched at the University of Free State on Thursday.
Said its chair, Professor Pagollang Motloba: “This project will provide unparalleled benefits to the country and to the institutions involved.”