26 Aug 2014

Residents of Natale and Makobo villages in the Tonota North constituency have complained that the relocation of their ambulances to Donga Clinic in Francistown, which acts as a service centre, has led to poor response to emergency cases.

The residents told their  Member of Parliament, Mr Fidelis Molao during kgotla meetings he addressed in the two villages recently that they used to receive rapid response during the time the ambulances were based in their respective villages.

Since the ambulances were relocated the residents have not received any proper help to the extent that some have given up on calling for help, they complained.

Ms Nametso Shimane of Natale further complained that the change was done without any consultation yet it affected them directly.

She also complained that patients used to get their Anti Retro Viral (ARV) treatment from the Borolong Clinic without any problems, but since they were transferred to Natale Health Post which has one nurse, problems had persisted.

Sometimes they would go for weeks without their treatment just because the local nurse would be attending workshops outside the village, she pointed out, adding that often when they complained, the lack of transport would be used as an excuse.

On other issues the residents requested their MP to facilitate the establishment of a post office at one of the two villages so that pensioners could be assisted there instead of queuing at the usually congested kgotla offices.

Responding to their concerns, Mr Molao said he had been informed that the basing of ambulances at one particular service centre was meant to improve response times to emergencies.

He added that the district health management team said consultation regarding the move, which is a pilot project, was made with the leadership of the two villages.

He, nonetheless, promised the residents that although it was meant to be a pilot project, he would inform the health authorities in the area about the residents’ concerns.

Furthermore, he informed them that the Natale Health Post would soon receive an additional nurse so that in the absence of the senior nurse, service will continue. Ends