A GP when your practice is closed
Most GP practices in South Africa open on weekdays during business hours, with a few hours on Saturday morning. Get sick at 9pm on a Sunday, on Christmas Day or over the Easter weekend, and the usual options are to wait or to pay for a hospital emergency unit and sit in a long queue.
VDOC is different. Our doctors work on a video platform, not from a building with fixed opening hours, so many of them consult early in the morning, late in the evening, on Sundays and on public holidays. Some start as early as 5am and others consult until 10pm.
You see every open slot when you book, choose the time that suits you, and join the video call from home. If it's clinically appropriate, the doctor can issue a prescription or a sick note, just like a daytime visit.
VDOC vs. your usual after-hours options
| VDOC video GP | Walk-in GP practice | Hospital emergency unit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sundays | Yes | Usually closed | Yes |
| Public holidays | Yes | Usually closed | Yes |
| Early morning / late night | From 5am, until 10pm (varies by doctor) | Business hours | 24 hours |
| Waiting | Book a time, consult from home | Waiting room | Can be hours for non-emergencies |
| Cost | From R250, shown upfront | Varies | Usually much higher |
| Best for | Non-life-threatening illness | Routine care & examinations | Emergencies |
What people see us for after hours
Upcoming South African public holidays
GP practices are usually closed on these days. VDOC doctors still consult by video, so book ahead if you can.
| Date | Public holiday |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, 16 December 2026 | Day of Reconciliation |
| Friday, 25 December 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Saturday, 26 December 2026 | Day of Goodwill |
| Friday, 1 January 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Sunday, 21 March 2027 | Human Rights Day |
| Monday, 22 March 2027 | Human Rights Day (observed) |
| Friday, 26 March 2027 | Good Friday |
| Monday, 29 March 2027 | Family Day |
| Tuesday, 27 April 2027 | Freedom Day |
| Saturday, 1 May 2027 | Workers' Day |