08 Nov 2020

District Health Management Team (DHMT) coordinator, Dr Gobusaone Morupisi, says Palapye is in need of a hospital.  

Speaking during a meeting with Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe, Dr Morupisi said the district had 29 health facilities, one primary hospital, nine mother clinics, 19 and health posts, 10 mobile stops and 13 private practitioners.

 “The main x-ray machine has been non-functional for more than 3 years and portable x-ray machine has no printer, non-compliance to servicing and maintenance of equipment, frequent breakdown of the old autoclave machine, old unserviceable back-up generator and shortage of equipment such as dental chairs, dental laboratory equipment and dental x ray machine,” she highlighted.

Dr Morupisi indicated that there was shortage of space and accommodation for patient admission, which had implications on transport and staffing. 

She emphasised the unavailability of security services in all the units. 

“Staff is not safe as cases of patients and their next of kin assaulting staff members especially nurses are raising. Hospital equipment are not secure as there are reported cases of theft and missing property. 

Currently there are 15 temporary night-watchmen and nine permanent and pensionable ones,” she said.

Assistant Minister Lelatisitswe said the nation was in the difficult times of COVID-19 pandemic which impacted on the health budget. 

“I will extend my hand to the health committee so that they can visit this district and assist where possible,” he said.

Area Member of Parliament Mr Onneetse Ramogapi appreciated the visit by Mr Lelatisitswe. 

He said patients went to the hospital early morning, but unfortunately left late because of shortage of staff. 

“A1 road accidents increase workload on the already few doctors and nurses in Palapye,” he added.

The assistant minister visited Palapye Primary Hospital, Kediretswe Clinic, Lotsane Clinic, COVID-19 laboratory and Riverside Hospital, Palapye Kidney and Dialysis Centre. ends