Pretoria - In an effort to boost the number of doctors in the province, the Gauteng Department of Health has awarded more than 200 bursaries to students within the Faculty of Health Sciences.
During the course of 2013/14 financial year, a total of 271 bursaries amounting to R21 356 696 were awarded to students studying in critical scarce skills.
Gauteng Health MEC Hope Papo said that in addition to the 271 bursaries, the department is also financing 583 medicine students in different years of study.
This brings the total amount allocated this year to R45 384 000, thus enabling students to further their studies in Health Sciences.
To further increase the number of health professionals in the province, Papo announced that 650 students have commenced with their nursing training this month. The application process for 2015 nursing intake is expected to commence in April this year.
Papo said the department has addressed vacancies through recruitment and training, adding that the province has continued to be a province that produces the highest number of health professionals at its training institutions.
“The availability of health professionals is critical in building an effective health system and contributes towards the attainment of a long and healthy life for all,” said Papo. – SAnews.gov.za
