09 May 2013

The dispensing of medication at Phuthadikobo Clinic in Molepolole has been halted due to shortage of pharmacy technicians.

Responding to complaints raised by residents during a kgotla meeting addressed by Molepolole North MP, Mr Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri, Kweneng East chief pharmacist,  Mr Atamelang Kgosiemang confirmed shortage that led to stoppage in the dispensing of medication.

He pointed out that although they were aware of the situation, nothing could be done yet due to the high shortage that was not only peculiar to the clinic.

The situation, he said, was worsened by the fact that the clinic was operating with one pharmacy technician following the death of another officer while the third one was on a two-week sick leave.

He said efforts had been done to seek help from areas such as Thamaga Primary and Scottish Livingstone hospitals, but could not succeed due to shortage the two institutions were faced with.   

He apologised for the inconvenience and pleaded with residents in the affected area to exercise patience because the ministry had promised to send an officer from Central Medical Stores (CMS) on a temporary basis while a long term solution was being facilitated.

Meanwhile Mr Matlhabaphiri, who is also the Assistant Minister of Health, promised to follow up the issue with relevant authorities to expedite the process. Phuthadikobo Clinic that offered a 24-hour service received an average of around 2 500 patients daily.

Other issues raised by Mr Matlhabaphiri included the improved ISPAAD programme that would see tractor owners getting P800 instead of P400  for ploughing a hectare.

He advised farmers that individuals, who were interested in benefiting from the programme would have to liaise with the department of crop production to source funds from other programmes that would enable them to purchase ploughing implements.

Mr Matlhabaphiri told the meeting that government was working towards improving water situation in Botswana and that efforts were being made to normailise things. ENDS