I am one of the unemployed doctors in Mpumalanga. As I sit in my small flat, surrounded by the remnants of my medical school days, I can’t help but feel a sense of frustration and despair. I’m not alone in this feeling. I’m one of many unemployed doctors in Mpumalanga, struggling to find a place in the very system we’re passionate about serving.

I completed my community service in December last year, eager to start my career as a medical professional. But six months later, I’m still jobless, despite numerous applications and interviews. The bursary programme that funded my studies expects me to work in the province for a specified period. But without a job, I’m unable to fulfil my obligations.

The situation is dire. Mpumalanga is facing a critical shortage of doctors, and the few available positions are highly competitive. Many of my colleagues and I have been forced to rely on financial support from family and friends, while others have had to take on menial jobs to make ends meet. The mental and emotional toll of this situation cannot be overstated.

The healthcare system in Mpumalanga is already strained, with long waiting times and inadequate care. The shortage of doctors means that patients are often seen by inexperienced staff, leading to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. The situation is critical, and it’s only getting worse.

Desparate to serve

We, the unemployed doctors, are not just statistics; we’re individuals with skills, expertise, and a passion for serving our communities. We’re eager to contribute to the healthcare system, but the lack of opportunities is stifling our potential. We’re forced to watch as our peers leave the province in search of better prospects, further depleting the already scarce medical workforce.

The Mpumalanga Department of Health and the national government need to take urgent action to address this crisis. We need more job opportunities, training programmes, and support for unemployed doctors. We need a healthcare system that values and retains its professionals, rather than driving them away.

As I look around my flat, I see the remnants of my dreams, the certificates and awards that once symbolised my potential. I know I’m not alone in this struggle, and I urge my fellow unemployed doctors to speak out, to share their stories, and to demand action from our leaders. Together, we can create a healthcare system that truly serves the people of Mpumalanga. – Unemployed doctor, Bushbuckridge