It is well known that there is a shortage of staff in rural hospitals, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. Research has attributed the lack of qualified healthcare professionals in rural areas to a number of issues; including an overall shortage of trained healthcare workers in the public sector and the difficulty that rural hospitals find in recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals.

At the Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF), we seek to address staff shortages at rural hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal and believe that this can be achieved through investing in rural youth who have an interest and ability to qualify as healthcare professionals and who agree, upon graduating, to work at their local hospital. We identify members of the local youth community who demonstrate the potential to, and an interest in, becoming healthcare providers.

There is a broad range of health disciplines, although most people only think about doctors, nurses or physiotherapists. We support students to study 16 different health science disciplines – more details about these health science disciplines can be found on our website www.umthomboyouth.org.za.

We have assisted over 384 rural youth to qualify as healthcare professionals, the vast majority who are working in rural public hospitals. Of the 384 graduates, 133 are doctors and 41 are nurses. Some of the doctors have since specialised. Since Health Science qualifications are in demand, graduates normally obtain employment easily and earn good salaries.

If you are compassionate, empathetic and academically inclined towards the Sciences, you may want to consider studying a Health Science degree. Most Health Science qualifications allow you to help people whilst working in the public or private sector.

Learn more by visiting our:

Website: https://www.umthomboyouth.org.za/ 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Umthombo-Youth-Development-Foundation