MEDICAL doctors are no longer leaving Gauteng in great numbers, according to MEC for Health Brian Hlongwa.

He was speaking on Tuesday ahead of the tabling of his annual report in the Gauteng Legislature next week.

Hlongwa said his department suffered less resignations in the 2003/2004 financial year.

"The total vacancy rate for professional nurses has declined from 36 percent in the 2003/2004 financial year to 23 percent in the past year. The attrition rate for doctors improved from 35,8 percent to 21,2 percent in the same period," Hlongwa said.

In the past, very few people were recruited to fill the vacant posts, but the situation had been turned around.

"Last year the department managed to recruit 7 032 new employees.

"There were 4 376 resignations in the period, resulting in a net gain of 2 656 employees.

"A total of 2 950 health professionals were among the new employees, and this figure was above the target of 2 500 set by Premier Mbhazima Shilowa," Hlongwa said.

In 2003/2004 his department had 3 753 resignations and was able to recruit only 2 407, which resulted in a net loss of 1 346 employees.

"This turn-around can be attributed to a number of important decisions taken by the department, including the increase of salary levels of certain categories of health professionals, the purchase of the latest equipment for hospitals, and recognition awards given to deserving employees," Hlongwa said.