31 Jul 2014

It is high time Batswana change their mindsets and realise that health is an individual’s responsibility that requires discipline and commitment to stay on course, the trade and industry minister, Ms Dorcas Makgato-Malesu has said.



Speaking during Sefhare Primary Hospital wellness day on July 26, Minister Makgato-Malesu said the ingredients of an individual’s health included self-discipline, responsibility and accountability for one’s actions.



She said although the country’s health system offered enough services, the workers sometimes failed to access them due to work commitments. 



Minister Makgato-Malesu said some workers concealed their ailments for fear of stigmatisation and discrimination and end up not getting appropriate assistance.



“Other workers neglect their health due to lack of information while some put their health at risk with their behaviours and life partners,” she said.



However, Ms Makgato-Malesu said that the event was critical as it made it possible for workers to share information on diseases prevention and management.

 “Health seeking behaviours is the way, choose prevention over cure because the former is cheaper and easier,” she urged.



For her part, one of the event organisers, Ms Mmapula Nyepetsi applauded Chobe, Selibe Phikwe and Palapye primary hospitals personnel for their participation.  

The event’s main objectives were to improve access to health services by health workers and networking opportunities with other facilities through support groups and recreational activities.



Ms Nyepetsi, a nurse at Sefhare primary hospital said that the theme for the day was ‘move it to lose it,’ meant to implore the workers to move away from health threatening behaviors and lose it forever. ENDS