26 Feb 2019

There are 13 reported attack cases by criminals to health workers in the past two years. Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Alfred Madigele said a total of 12 employees were directly affected by those attacks while other employees in the affected localities were emotionally traumatised.

Answering a parliamentary question on February 25 , Dr Madigele said one patient was attacked and stabbed with a sharp object while she was being consulted.

“Most of our facilities have security guards, we are exploring other ways of enhancing security such as improving the lighting in and around the facilities, reducing vegetation and installing security cameras,” he said.

Dr Madigele explained that for now the first phase of an ITT for CCTV had just been finalised and the ITT covered Nyangagwe Referral Hospital, greater Francistown District Health Management Team (DHM 24-hour clinics, Princess Marina Referral Hospital, greater Gaborone DHMT 24-hour clinics, S’brana Psychiatric Hospital and Palapye Hospital.

“The whole process for tendering is expected to be completed in four months. MP for Francistown South, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi wanted the minister to state how many attack cases by criminals to health workers had been experienced in public clinics and hospitals in the past two years.

He also asked how many workers had fallen victim to those criminals in the last two years and what was the ministry doing to intensify security in all health facilities to ensure the safety of workers. ENDS