18 Feb 2019

All referral hospitals are providing the needed health services, says Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Alfred Madigele

Dr Madigele said there were, however, challenges of occasional shortage of both drugs and equipment which were continuously replenished through procurement as the need arises.

Francistown West MP, Mr Ingenious Moswane had asked if the minister was aware that all referral hospitals were white elephants without equipment and drugs. Dr Madigele said Nyangabwe Referral Hospital theatre equipment was functioning although the autoclaves were old and needed frequent repairing.

He said the ministry was in the process of replacing the autoclaves in the upcoming financial year which were expected to be delivered around July 2019.

“Indeed the autoclaves have been boarded due to old age, but the ministry has however been able to repair the autoclaves and keep them in use while procurement of new equipment is ongoing,” he said.

He said he was not aware that 50 per cent of patients left medical facilities without having been given medical drugs due to the shortage.

“However most drugs have alternatives, therefore, it is most unlikely that patients will leave the health facilities without drugs,” he said. ends