Communications Department.
Two Hundred and forty six (246) full-time students were awarded bursaries by the Gauteng Department of Health and Social Department (GDHSD) to study health sciences at various tertiary institutions in 2012. The bursary programme target candidates from economically disadvantaged background with good academic achievements.
Bursaries are awarded in disciplines that are critical scarce skills in health such as Medicine (MBCHB), Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice (Clinical Associates) and Medical Orthotics & Prosthetics.
In addition, 30 medical students commenced training in Cuba in September 2011. In 2012, 25 potential students will be identified for the intake in September supported by the Bursary Fund.
Annually, the Department allocates an estimated 30 million to fund full-time and part-time education of students who do extremely well in academically, prioritizing young people from poor background.
Upon completion of their studies, students are required to enter into a contractual agreement with the Department that obligates them to serve for every individual year that was paid for by the Department at a Gauteng Health facility.
“The awarding of bursaries has contributed significantly to the Department as most of the bursary recipients are currently serving at Gauteng health facilities which contributes towards a goal of addressing shortages of health professionals. With additional funding the Department could increase the number of financial assistance offered to young people, “said Aubrey Ditshego, Health Sciences and Training manager at the Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development.
The bursary fund is the programme of the Human Resources Development (HRD) Chief Directorate and its vision is to produce skilled, competent, caring and productive Health care workforce. This is in line with the Gauteng Provincial Government’s strategic priority to promote quality education and skills development.
Application for bursaries in 2013 will open between September and October 2012.
For more information on bursaries visit: www.healthandsocdev.gpg.gov.za
Contact Gauteng Bursaries and Financial Aid
78 Fox Street (9th floor)
011 298 2331
011 298 2332
011 298 2457