11 Jul 2019

There is no policy that limits the radius of 24-hour clinics to seven kilometres, says Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe Mr Lelatisitswe told Parliament that the determination of a 24-hour clinic was based on the ethical principles such as the need for service, cost effectiveness and promotion and maintenance of human dignity as stated in the National Health Policy of 2011.

Additionally, Mr Lelatisitswe said the size of population also contributed in determining the need for a 24-hour clinic. He said Francistown had four health facilities operating 24 hours, namely, Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital, Area W, Gerald and Jubilee Clinics saying all were located in the highly populated areas of Francistown.

Furthermore, he stated that his ministry was currently renovating the maternity wing at Donga Clinic which would operate as a 24-hour clinic upon completion. Francistown South MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi had asked when the policy that sets a seven kilometre radius between 24-hour Health facilities would be reviewed to take into account the population and other factors.MP Mmolotsi further wanted to know whether the minister would consider waiving the requirement in order to change one of the clinics in Francistown into a 24-hour facility given the population and other factors. ENDS