15 Apr 2019

Lions Club International immediate past president, Dr Naresh Aggarwal visited Donga Diabetic Clinic to get first hand information on the challenges facing the clinic.

The clinic was established in 2011 as a government initiative to tackle the increasing diabetes challenge.

Welcoming the former president, Dr Ronald Luke of Donga Diabetic Clinic said the clinic has seen an increase in the number of patients over the years since its establishment.

He said the clinic currently receives 4 000 patients from the 200 it initially received when the clinic was opened.

He explained that the clinic covers mainly Francistown and surrounding areas, but that there were patients who came from all over Botswana.

Dr Luke further stated that there were two Lions Clubs in Frnacistown that had agreed to raise funds.

He explained that the exercise was already in motion to solicit funds from companies, organisations and individuals.

Dr Luke further stated that government has put in place the infrastructure, buildings, staff and other equipment needed, and that the clinic was already running.

Regarding the current situation and challenges, he explained that some patients were on multiple doses of insulin per day, and that they needed to check blood sugar levels frequently to avert hypoglycemia.

He explained further that there was only one printer connected to the network at the clinic, and that patients waited for several services at the clinic without educational and entertainment programmes, among many others.

Dr Aggarwal advised that Lions Club International only assist with medical equipment and requested that a new list of required medical equipment be made and submitted.

Dr Aggarwal is on tour visiting all Lions Clubs in the world. ENDS