ANC Welcomes Recruitment of 869 Health Professionals Across Eastern Cape

The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape has welcomed the recruitment and integration of 869 new health professionals into the provincial public healthcare system, describing the development as a strong and positive start to the new year for healthcare delivery in the province.

According to the ANC, the intake into the Eastern Cape Department of Health (ECDOH) includes 363 doctors, 111 pharmacists, 16 dentists, and 255 rehabilitation professionals, alongside medical interns, community service doctors, and allied health workers. The recruitment drive is intended to strengthen frontline services and improve access to healthcare across the province, particularly in rural and historically underserved areas.

Boost for Provincial Healthcare Capacity

The ANC said the recruitment forms part of broader efforts to stabilise and reform the provincial health system, which has faced sustained pressure in recent years due to staffing shortages, infrastructure challenges, and rising patient demand.

The party indicated that the initiative aligns with resolutions adopted at its 55th National Conference, which prioritise the acceleration of progressive health policies aimed at achieving universal access to affordable, quality healthcare.

In addition to the current intake, the ANC confirmed a R314 million ministerial intervention directed at strengthening clinical appointments. This intervention supports the employment of 122 medical officers, 248 emergency care specialists, 26 professional nurses, 9 physiotherapists, 8 occupational therapists, and 5 speech therapists.

Addressing Unemployment and Rural Access

The ANC said the recruitment drive has a dual impact, addressing unemployment among qualified health professionals while improving service delivery across the Eastern Cape. Newly appointed staff will be deployed to healthcare facilities throughout the province, where they are expected to help ease service pressures, reinforce frontline care, and improve patient outcomes.

The party emphasised that the placement of new professionals in rural and remote communities remains a priority, with the aim of narrowing healthcare access gaps and strengthening primary healthcare services at local level.

For communities such as Komani and surrounding areas, increased staffing at provincial facilities is expected to improve patient turnaround times, reduce workloads on existing staff, and enhance overall service quality.

Emergency HAST Programme Support

The ANC Eastern Cape also welcomed an emergency HAST (HIV, AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Tuberculosis) programme intervention, which will support 577 critical positions. These include 148 professional general nurses, 239 data capturers, 72 lay counsellors, 38 staff nurses, 53 IT technicians, and 27 clinical programme coordinators.

The party said this intervention would strengthen monitoring, data management, and patient support services within key public health programmes.

Long-Term Health System Strengthening

The ANC said matching investments in healthcare infrastructure, medical equipment, and machinery with skilled personnel remains central to improving health outcomes in the province. The recruitment of additional professionals is expected to contribute to a healthier workforce, improved productivity, and a better quality of life for residents across the Eastern Cape.

As the province enters 2026, the ANC said the latest intake of health professionals signals renewed momentum within the public health sector and reflects an ongoing commitment to building a responsive, people-centred healthcare system.