20 Feb 2019

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Alfred Madigele has told Parliament that 120 young Batswana aged between 14-21 years have been admitted at Jubilee hospital for conditions caused by use of drugs in the last two years.

Dr Madigele said 187 young Batswana were admitted at Sbrana hospital during the same period.

He said the ministry has identified the Old Serowe Institute of Health Sciences (IHS) to establish the first national substance use treatment centre, which would provide both in and outpatient rehabilitation services. 

He further noted that the ministry had completed the  designs, and that refurbishment of the centre was estimated to be completed in December 2020. Francistown South MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi had asked the minister to state the number of people aged between 14 and 21 who had been admitted to Jubilee and Sbrana hospitals for conditions caused by use of drugs in the last two years.

He also wanted to know when the ministry intended to establish rehabilitation centres  in Botswana.ENDS