24 Feb 2022

Some Serowe sub-district councillors have expressed worry over shortage of health workers in their district.

Commenting on Sub-council chairperson Mr Phuthego Lesedi’s speech on Tuesday, councillors attributed shortage  of doctors and nurses in clincs and  hospitals  to various factors such as unfavourable working conditions and low salaries. 

They said Botswana had depended on countries like Cuba and China for assistance in medical personnel. 

Another challenge facing the health sector, councillors said was shortage of drugs. 

Councillor for Mmashoro Mr Kgosiesele Kgosiesele said shortage of nurses, doctors and other specialised health practitioners was a major concern in most health centers across the country. 

He said apart from providing general primary health care, they also double as pharmacists laboratory technicians and as well as consulting patients. 

This shortage, according  Mr Kgosiesele had  left patients in limbo, with many being forced to wait for long to see the doctor.  

For his constituency, Councillor for Mogorosi/Thabala, said shortage of health care workers  was prevalent in clinics. 

To address  shortage, councillors suggested that the health and wellness ministry should train more  healthcare workers and deploy them accordingly. 

Further, the councillors recommended that health workers should be well paid and improved  working conditions.

On other issues councilors decried unemployment in rural areas, stating that more youth depended only on Ipelegeng programme which did not absorb most people. 

Councillor for Motshegaletau/Sehunou, Mr Malau Gabaipone said initiatives such as constituency tournament which had been cancelled were one of the forums where youth benefited a lot. 

He said the tournament ensured that youth spent time at sporting activities than indulging in alcohol and other forms of crime. 

Mr Gabaipone also said the Botswana Police did not have enough vehicles to combat attend to crime especially stock theft. He appealed to government to revive Kgomokhumo to fight against escalating stock theft. 

Councilor for Motetshwane in Serowe, Mr Robert Mariba was  also concerned about indiscriminate waste and garbage disposal in Serowe. He said dumping sides were also over flowing and the fence was vandalized.  ends