09 Aug 2021

Though not easy to request a supplementary budget early in a fiscal year, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Edwin Dikoloti is forced to do just that due to problems faced by the ministry.

Responding to concerns raised by Tonota’s Masedi Clinic staff recently, he said if the request was acceded to and things went according to plan, the facility might get a share and purchase the needed ambulance.

Regarding personnel, Dr Dikoloti said there were currently 47 medical officers on internship who would be posted around the country upon completion.

On vaccines, he said the country was expecting 110 000 doses of Johnson and Johnson vaccine with more expected to arrive in the coming months.

The clinic’s senior nursing officer, Ms Golebaone Makolo said it served as a catchment facility for nearby clinics of Mandunyane, Manyanda, Ditladi and Madisakwana. 

She said the clinic serviced the Tonota population of over 29 000, in excess of 3 000 patients monthly and made some 86 referrals as well as operated an outpatient department and maternity ward.

Ms Makolo complained about shortage of staff saying though the clinic operated 24 hours, it had one doctor who worked at night and two nurses on day duty. 

Among other challenges she mentioned shortage of oxygen cylinders, lack of IT officer, potters, laboratory staff and accommodation which led to some staff having to commute from Francistown thereby putting their lives in danger when on night shift.

She commended the district commissioner’s office and village authorities for their support and patience.

At Tati Siding Clinic, Greater Francistown District Health Management Team Coordinator Dr Ivan Kgetse said the facility had 40 beds which were used  for women as men were admitted at Ntshe Clinic.

Dr Kgetse said the clinic was faced with washing machine problems but explained that two machines as well as an ironing machine would be installed.

Visiting the Francistown Academic Hospital, Dr Dikoloti said services rendered there were critical. He thanked the hospital for admitting COVID-19 patients and for working on future disease control.

“In this trying time you are giving such a marvelous service. Be assured of the ministry’s support as much as you may call for it,” he said. ends