08 May 2014

Director of health services, Dr Khumo Seipone, has urged community leaders, health care providers and other key stakeholders to complement the ministry of health’s efforts to promote the use of national quality standards. 

Speaking at a workshop in Maun to raise awareness about the standards, Dr Seipone said they would provide a framework for self-assessment, external review and investigation and also inculcate a culture of adherence to safety and quality that would enhance the credibility of health sector.

“These standards will serve as a catalyst for change and create the foundation upon which we can propel the health sector to greater heights in meeting the needs and expectations of clients,” she said.

She said a good reputation was imperative for the health sector to fulfill its aspiration of providing competitive health services at district, national and internationally acceptable level and thereby attract medical tourism. 

The escalating growth of a number of districts in Botswana, largely due to the growth of the tourism sector, poses major challenges to the health sector to improve the quality and safety of health services to meet the ever-growing health needs of the public and the tourism industry. 

On again, Dr Sipone reminded health practitioners that successful implementation of the standards requires both the public and private healthcare sector to ensure quality and safety of all services. 

She encouraged them to utilise the standards for self-assessment to identify shortfalls and enhance their performance. She further encouraged health practitioners to continually seek proactive ways of complying with the standards to enhance patient care outcomes.

“The public must also play their role in making sure that they receive the best quality and safe care possible. 

They should understand the care and treatment choices available and demand for such in an amicable, reasonable and acceptable manner,” said Dr Seipone.

For his part, the council chairman, Mr Lathang Molonda said councilors have been complaining about poor services at health facilities, especially long queues, corruption, abuse of resources and inadequate manpower. He expressed confidence that the health standards will address these complaints and encouraged health practitioners to adhere these standards. Ends