10 Dec 2015

The Assistant Minister of Health, Dr Alfred Madigele, says he is aware that Masego, Lapologang and Botswelelo clinics experienced occasional drug shortage due to internal processes between the clinics and the medicines warehouse in Francistown and sometimes the Central Medical Stores.

“I am aware that during the period October 2015 and November 2015 only Botswelelo clinic had drug shortage, with an average availability of 78 per cent,”  said Dr Madigele.

He said the other two clinics, Lapologang and Masego had average availability of 93 and 94 per cent respectively. However as at December 2015, the situation in Botswelelo Clinic has now normalised with the average availability of 92 per cent .

Dr Madigele said the ministry has no plans to turn any of the clinics into 24 hour facilities as the facilities are within the five to eight km radius from Area W and Gerald clinics  which offer 24 hour services. “My ministry is aware of the congestion at Area W and measures have been put in place to reduce the congestion which include the introduction of block booking for different category of patients such as ARV clients, patients with chronic diseases, Ante Natal Clients and Child Welfare clients,” Dr Madigele said.

He said they have also introduced relocation of youth friendly services to Area S Health Post, task shifting with nurses prescribing ARVs and rollout of ARV dispensing to all health facilities in Francistown.

The MP for Francistown South Mr Winter Mmolotsi had asked the minister why Masego, Lapologang and Botswelelo Clinics in Francistown continue to experience shortage of drugs.

He also wanted to know when the ministry will consider turning one of these clinics into 24 hour facility and if the minister is aware of the serious congestion at Area W clinic. Ends