04 Mar 2015

Assistant Minister of Health, Dr Alfred Madigele says he is aware of shortage of accommodation for health care workers, including nurse.

Dr Madigele noted that the shortage does not only affect Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital but most health facilities.

He, however, said he was not aware of unoccupied Botswana Housing Corporation houses at Gerald Estates in Francistown.

Dr Madigele said due to financial constraints his ministry was unable to meet the housing needs of their staff in one go, hence they were addressing the need in a phased approach.

“For example, we have started the process of procuring staff houses in Ghanzi and Mahalapye whilst construction has started for the North West District, Chobe and Ghanzi/Charleshill and Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital is also being considered alongside other districts,” he said.

Francistown East MP, Mr Billy Buti had asked if the minister was aware of the acute shortage of accommodation for nurses at Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital, and of the high number of unoccupied Botswana Housing Corporation houses at Gerald Estate in Francistown.

He also wanted to know if there were any plans of getting them subsidised for health professionals so as to alleviate the accommodation crisis by Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital staff. ENDS