25 Nov 2015

The Assistant Minister of Health Dr Alfred Madigele says  there is a critical shortage of pharmaceutical staff across the country and Tsogang clinic is not an exception.

Answering a question in Parliament Dr Madigele said his ministry is aware that Tsogang clinic in Gaborone North has a resident pharmacy technician who is available during the day saying a mini pharmacy is in place and stocked with medicines for use after hours.

He further said there are three toilets for patients in the OPD  saying the  toilets are continuously vandalised  hence the need for regular repair.

So far, he said  two have  been repaired and were in good condition. He went on to say that his ministry is facing acute shortage of doctors throughout health facilities including the greater Gaborone DHMT which does not have enough doctors for all its clinics operating 24 hours.

“However a doctor is always available in Tsogang clinic during the day between 0730 and 1630 hours and public holidays and clients who need the services of the doctor at night are referred either to other 24 hour clinics with doctors or Princess Marina depending on the condition of the patient,” he said.

He said with the exception of doctors and pharmaceutical staff, the clinic has a better staff complement with respect to other categories of staff and has a total number of 30 nurses. MP for Gaborone North Mr Haskins Nkaigwa had asked the minister about what is being done to address challenges at Tsogang clinic. Ends