12 Jul 2013

Nyangabwe Referral Hospital (NRH) acting superintendent, Dr Malaki Tshipayagae has informed North East District councillors that the public demands have outgrown the hospital.

Speaking during a tour of the hospital by councillors on July 10, Dr Tshipayagae said on daily basis, they served around 350 patients, most of whom visited hospital with high expectations.

He said there was need to expand the hospital’s services such as having more locally trained specialists. He noted that their major challenge was shortage of ambulances and drugs.

Dr Tshipayagae said the number of patients suffering from non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, who were being treated at Nyangabwe hospital was increasing.

When commenting, Cllr William Tatose of Senyawe said it was worrisome that patients were made to wait for check-ups for six months after making their bookings and some ended up passing away.

Cllr Moses Maloiso of Tshesebe wanted to know how the hospital dealt with the issue of baby dumping while nominated Cllr Mphaphi Zibochwa said the eye clinic had been operating without an eye specialist and expressed fear that the situation could endanger the lives of patients.

North East District Council chairperson and Cllr for Mapoka, Mr City Kealotswe lamented lack of promotion of health workers saying it demotivated them. In his response, Dr Tshipayagae said shortage of drugs was caused by the centralised system, where procurement was done in Gaborone and that time was lost during the tendering process.

 Dr Tshipayagae explained that the eye clinic specialist was transferred to Sekgoma Memorial Hospital in Serowe,  but currently NRH eye unit had well trained and experienced nurses. He said recommendations of promotions were made annually although ultimate decisions were taken by authorities.

He said they had introduced a national ambulance service and an emergency station based in Donga where they had 18 officers deployed to respond to emergencies.

Dr Tshipayagae said there was need to retain experienced staff and have a national health care insurance, which would generate funds which could be used to maintain hospitals across the country. ENDS