INTERNSHIP AND COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMME (ICSP)

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About Internship and Community Service (ICSP)

In 1998 a community service policy was implemented that required health professionals to complete 12 months community service / 24 months Internship through remunerative work in the public sector. The purpose of the policy was to achieve better distribution of human resources for health to under-serviced areas and thereby improve equitable access to primary health care services.

In accordance with the National Department of Health’s (NDoH) Annual Performance Plan (APP), all eligible South African graduates from South African Universities must apply to be allocated for internship and community service each year within available resources.

  • There are two (2) programme types namely:
    Internship – Medical graduates (Doctors) need to complete a two (2) year internship programme prior to registration as a community service medical practitioner, as provided for in Section 61 of the Health Professions Act 56 of 1974 and associated regulations relating to the registration and training of interns in medicine.
  • Community Service – Legislation prescribe that health professional graduates who wish to register for independent practice, need to complete one year of remunerated community service at health establishments as approved by the Minister of Health in the Government Gazette.
    • The following field of study is applicable for Community Service:
      Audiologist, Clinical Psychologist, Dentist, Diagnostic Radiographer, Diagnostic Sonographer, Dietician, Environmental Health Practitioner, Medical Practitioner, Nuclear Medicine, Radiographer, Occupational Therapist, Pharmacist, Physiotherapist, Professional Nurse,  Radiotherapy, Speech and Audiology Therapist and Speech Therapist

2023 Midyear Cycle Information

Applications Open: Applications Close:
15 May 2023   28 May 2023

 

  • Opening and closing dates must be adhered to.
  • All applicants who need to be placed in either Internship or Community Service in the 2023 Midyear Cycle, must apply.
  • All allocations are subject to provincial confirmation. An allocation is not the equivalent of an offer of employment. (No permanent or irreversible decisions should be made until a written offer of employment is received from the province or relevant department.)
  • As per the terms and conditions of the use of ICSP process and guidelines, all applicants are expected to provide accurate and truthful information. Applicants found to have provided information to mislead or manipulate the employer will be referred to the professional Council or Board for disciplinary action.
  • Applicants can reject their allocation but will need to provide the ICSP office with a written confirmation that you reject the allocation. Rejecting your allocation is likely to impact your ability to commence your internship / community service in the 2023 Midyear Cycle. Limited posts are available, and the posts will be given to the next available applicant. Alternative allocation is not very good since you will be re-allocated back in line and only after everybody is allocated be given a chance to be allocated again depending on the availability of resources.

2023 Midyear Cycle Application process
(How to apply)

Dear Medical Internship and Community Service applicants.

Please note that the application for the 2023 Midyear cycle have now been closed. You will be informed of your
allocations via email on or by 13 th June 2023.

Applicants can contact ICSP via email regarding any questions or assistance – icsp@health.gov.za

Contact details

  • Every provincial department have a specific coordinator to assist with Internship and Community Services specifically.
  • Below is a link to view / download the contact details of all 9 provincial departments, South African Military Health Services (SAMHS) and the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) coordinators.
  • Applicants can also send an email to icsp@health.gov.za for any enquiries regarding allocations or other matters related to Internship and Community Services.
Provincial Coordinator Contact List