09 Apr 2015

The Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security says it is aware of members of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), who have been discharged from work on medical grounds, but not aware of those who have exhausted their separation packages because of medical or other expenses.

Answering a question in Parliament, Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Mr Shaw Kgathi said it had to be noted that separation from the BDF on medical grounds was in two folds; medical discharge for medical conditions attributed to military service and medical discharge for medical condition not attributed to military service.

He said members who were separated because of injuries attributed to military service are paid workers’ compensation commensurate with their respective degree of incapacitation.

“They also continue to get free medical assistance from the BDF in accordance with Defence Force Regulations (Officers) Regulation 56(2) and Defence Force (Regular Force) (Other Ranks) Regulation 44(2),” said Minister Kgathi.

He indicated that those separated on medical conditions not attributed to military service do not get medical assistance from the BDF but can do so from any government medical institution under Ministry of Health as citizens of Botswana.

Minister Kgathi further said the BDF could not provide subsequent support to its ex -members following medical discharge of any kind outside the provisions of the BDF Act, Workers’ Compensation Act and the Pensions Act which prescribe immediate and long term medical or pension benefits respectively.

Ramotswa MP Mr Samuel Rantuana had asked the minister if he is aware that some BDF members who were discharged from duty because of medical reasons were living in poverty after exhausting their gratuities on medical care.

He wanted the minister to state what measures would be put in place to help those officers who became incapacitated while serving their country with love and passion. ENDS