07 Oct 2014

The Minister of Health, Dr John Seakgosing says Botswana's health care system is impressive.

Speaking at the ministry’s second open day in Gaborone on October 6, Dr Seakgosing said Botswana was among the best in the provision of health care in Africa if not globally.

He stated that maternal mortality rates had significantly reduced from 315 per 100 000 live births in 1991 to 145 per 100 000 live birth in 2014, owing to well established maternal mortality audit systems and maternal mortality reduction initiatives such as surveillance, public education, early diagnosis and treatment.

On issues of Safe Male Circumcision initiatives, Dr Seakgosing said 26 141 eligible males had been circumcised against a target of 50 000 males for the 2014/2015 financial year.

“By circumcising males of age, we are securing the health of the whole population as HIV incidence among the youth population will reduce significantly,” he said. He said the ministry strived to keep pace with changes in epidemiological patterns such as emerging new trends of diseases, socio-economic and demographic situations.

The minister said the emergence of Ebola as a global public health care threat had challenged his ministry to strengthen its port health services, disease surveillance and public health education.

“The ministry has put in place measures to keep Ebola at bay and should we be unfortunate to have it in our country, we will be ready to fight it,” he said. Dr Seakgosing further stated that patient care services as a priority has seen the ministry wants to improve access to all citizens to quality health care.

“The government continues to invest in building health facilities in every district,” he said.

For her part, the acting deputy permanent secretary - Clinical Services, Ms Thandie Kgosiesele urged the public to play a role in improving the quality of health services by getting involved and helping the cause in attaining objectives of the day and for the success of the event.

“Let us work together to ensure health for all,” she said. The open day themed; know your health services, take action was a platform for information sharing and for strengthening relationships between the public and the ministry of health.

There was a whole bouquet of services on exhibit such as alcohol and substance abuse, partnerships, TB, national health care standards, tobacco control, prevention of blindness and many more.

Individuals had opportunity to interact with service providers and learn about health issues with a view of shaping the health care system for better provision of health services. Ends