17 Jul 2014

Government alone cannot succeed in addressing the national health challenges unless there is active participation and commitment from all stakeholders.

Head of District Health Management Team (DHMT), Ms Josephine Mosimanewakgosi said this at the officially opening of DHMT events in Kanye recently. Ms Mosimanewakgosi said Kanye DHMT had opened its doors to the public for a healthy interaction not motivated by ill health.

She said to build a holistic culture that addressed the needs of its people, it was important that the people being served should be well informed about available services at health facilities.

Ms Mosimanewakgosi stated that it was important to operate on the understanding that all feedback was crucial for continuous improvement, adding that government uplifted the standards of living of its citizens through provision of quality health care services.

‘’Through these efforts we will achieve our goal of providing health for all by the year 2016, and also realise the pillar of a “Compassionate, Just and Caring nation,” she said.

She noted that when people function from an informed position, there would be less speculation and more trust, which in turn would create a level of confidence in the public regarding services provided.

Kanye DHMT head said the government through the allocation of increased budget to the health ministry shows commitment to providing goo health services to Batswana.

Participants however raised a concern about shortage of nurses and doctors in some health posts and clinics.

 They said some nurses’ attitudes leave much to be desired. They alleged that some report to work drunk and ill-treat patients.

They also complained of the mushrooming of churches in Botswana, adding that some churches discourage people from visiting medical centres, claiming that God will cure them.

Clinics and health posts were awarded best performance certificates, Kgwatlheng clinic in Kanye emerged the best in service delivery followed by Mafikana, Selokolela and Mmamokhasi.

The theme of the event was ‘’Empowering communities to make informed decisions about their health. ENDS