24 Sep 2019

A report by a team assigned to visit and assess the status of the workers employed by safari companies in the Okavango Delta has confirmed that workers health needs were compromised.

A team comprising medical officers, councillors and some officers were assigned to investigate allegations by the employees at the delta, who complained about their health being compromised as their employees did not release them, but afford them telephonic consultations when they are sick.

During their visit to the delta, the team observed that there was medical malpractice as there was evidence of telephonic consultations within the camps between managers/clients and medical practitioners in Maun.

The team observed that on average, physical consultation rest on the healthcare workers feedback during telephonic consultations.

The team noted that there were no sick bay/observation area in the proximity to observe the infection control protocols. Medics are only based in Maun.

The report indicates malpractice in handling of drugs and non-drugs as per the Drugs and Related Substance Act of 2013 and that employees were exposed to severe psycho-social circumstances, which may manifest as ill-health. 

Furthermore, the report specified that medical confidentiality of staff within the camps was compromised due to prescription passed on to non-professionals.

The report listed that some managers were trained to level 2/3 first aid and they were the link between the health providers and clients, though there was an option for the manager or client to make personal  consultation.

The prescription and instruction are given to the manager, who then dispenses.

The team further noted some commendable observations such as companies providing their employees with uniform and identification; companies providing television facilities; employees provided with food, toiletries and mosquito repellents for free and that some operators had visitation policies.

The team came up with some recommendations to address the issue of medical malpractice.

Some of the recommendations are that safari operators should form health and wellness committees, identify within the facility a sick/recovery bay and identify resident health personnel to promote overall health, wellness and safety as immediate remedial.

The District Health Management Team (DHMT) was commanded to institute case investigation for medical malpractice and also capacitate safari operators on workplace health and wellness issues.

The team suggested that the council and district commissioner’s office should form a standing team for quality assessment for the safari operations, which include DHMT, occupational and environmental health, labour office, department of tourism, area councillor as well as Hotel and Tourism Association of Botswana. Ends