21 Jul 2021

Health workers have been advised to be self-reliant and employ cost effective strategies towards a strong health care delivery system.

The advice was given by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi during a visit to Gaborone’s  Block 8 vaccination and isolation centre on July 21 to appreciate vaccine rollout progress.

Pointing out that the country was battling to put together a budget for sourcing COVID-19 vaccines,  he said hiring additional personnel would be a tall order for government given the economic circumstances brought about by the pandemic.

Dr Masisi encouraged health facilities to consider reviving  relations with Village Development Committees and Botswana Red Cross in order to pool  resources.

He said collaborators could then avail personnel to assist such as in the dissemination of health care messages.

Meanwhile, Gaborone North Cluster coordinator – COVID-19, Dr Keorapetse Mmualefhe has explained that his region was experiencing high volumes of people seeking assistance either for testing or vaccination daily hence the long queues President Masisi asked about.

Dr Mmualefhe said currently a large number of youths were seeking vaccination.

Briefing the President about the isolation facility, Dr Mmualefhe said it had capacity to admit 20 patients.

Dr Masisi requested the facility’s staff to share their resource hiccups and shortfalls in order for government to assist where possible.

President Masisi thanked the staff for the wonderful job they were doing for the nation acknowledging that they were putting their lives and family members at risk.

Nonetheless, they continued soldiering on which was highly commendable, said the President. ENDS