07 Aug 2016

The Assistant Minister of Health Dr Alfred Madigele says the actual number of nurses who should be employed in the Ministry of Health(MoA) is 7 450.

Currently, he said, the number of nurses employed is 7 199 and there are 251 vacancies of which 99 have been offered to the Institute of Health Sciences graduates who are expected to resume duty starting from this month August 2016. Furthermore, Mr Madigele said recruitment for the remaining positions has also started, but pointed out that the ministry is faced with challenges of attracting and retaining health professionals in various areas.

Mr Madigele noted that MoA initiatives to close the gap are ongoing and this includes recruitment of retired nurses on contract basis as well as recruitment from other countries.

MP for Francistown West Mr Ignatius Moswaane had asked the Minister to state the actual number of nurses who should be employed in her Ministry, the current number employed, the number of vacant posts and why hospitals and clinics are understaffed. ENDS