11 Jul 2017

Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness,  Mr Dikgang Makgalemele  says the Jwaneng dental clinic is not yet functional.

Mr  Makgalemele said there was one dental officer (dentist) and one  dental therapist who were permanent and pensionable, and one dental surgery assistant employed on a temporary basis.

He said the ministry has started the procurement process of dental cabinets and instruments, adding that they were currently at the evaluation stage and  expected to be delivered in November. 

Mr Makgalemele said the community was able to access dental services at the Jwaneng Mine Hospital as per the agreed arrangement between the ministry and hospital management to ensure continuity of dental services.

“The ministry has placed two  dental staff at Jwaneng Mine Hospital to augment the staff that the hospital has,” he said.

Mr Makgalemele said with the delivery of dental instruments and cabinets expected in November, the plan was to have services provided at Jwaneng dental clinic by the end of the year. 

The Member of Parliament for Jwaneng/Mabutsane, Mr Shawn Ntlhaile had asked the minister to state the number of professionals posted at Jwaneng dental clinic, and what was delaying the operation of the clinic, the impact of the delay on the community and plans to address the challenge. ENDs