11 Jul 2013

Assistant minister of Health Mr Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri has told Parliament that his ministry is aware that the community home based care (CHBC) programme has challenges in retaining volunteers.

Answering a question in Parliament from the MP for Francistown South Mr Wynter Mmolotsi on July 10, Mr Matlhabaphiri said there are many issues that contribute to the low retention, one of which includes opportunities for long and short term employment including Ipelegeng.

He explained that government has not considered equating the home based care allowance with that of Ipelegeng as the objectives of the engagement and duration of engagement differ.

He cited that CHBC volunteers volunteer their services for three hours in a day, three days per week, whilst Ipelegeng beneficiaries are engaged for six hours in the mornings for 20 days in any given month.

Nonetheless, he said recognising the important role that CHBC volunteers play a complementing health services at community level, government continue to explore options on how best to retain health care volunteers including CHBC volunteers.

Mr Mmolotsi had asked the minister whether he was aware that the CHBC programme has lost volunteers to Ipelegeng due to low pay; and if so; will he consider equating the home based care allowance with that of Ipelegeng to address the problem.ENDS