30 Mar 2015

Minister of Health, Ms Dorcas Makgato, visited Tsabong Primary Hospital on March 28 to appreciate the state of the facility and address staff.

Ms Makgato told the staff that the intention of the ministry was to focus on provision of services rather than infrastructure, adding that she urged them to focus on providing preventive measures rather than cure because prevention was better and less expensive.

She said she has been touring the country after the ministry held a leadership summit to find ways in the challenges they face such as maintenance of facilities, lack of manpower and drug management availability amongst others.

The minister pointed out that Tsabong Primary Hospital was overcrowded because it was initially never meant to be a hospital, but that due to developments in the area it was now experiencing high turnover of patients.

She said through her visit she learnt that there were challenges in fleet management, staff accommodation and staff being transferred and posts not filled. She went on to say that it was vital that they address staff grievances because they were the foundation and as a result they should be able to carry out their duties without any hindrance.

Furthermore, she pointed out that most hospitals and clinics across the country experience shortage of doctors, nurses and other cadres.

For his part, the Member of Parliament for the area, Mr Frans Van Der Westhuzen said the minister’s visit gives hope that there could be improvements of infrastructure because they have been complaining about it, particularly the wards.

He concurred with the minister that the hospital was experiencing a challenge of overcrowding as it built in the 1970’s as a clinic. Mr Van Der Westhuizen said there was need to upgrade the hospital because it was now serving as a referral for the district and when there were critical cases it becomes a challenge. ENDS