27 Feb 2022

Government remains committed to supporting the Bamalete Lutheran Hospital (BLH) and the Bamalete School of Nursing even under the new dispensation. 

Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe made the assurance at the handing over of the two institutions to the local tripartite body that is Gamalete tribe, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa Botswana diocese (ELCSA) and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Botswana (ELCB). 

He said government would support the tripartite partnership to succeed as a community grown project. 

Mr Lelatisitswe said the Evangelical Lutheran Mission (ELM) from Germany had been part and parcel of the two institutions since time immemorial. 

He said the relationship which anchored on love, care and Christian values started in the 1930s with the arrival of the ELM in Ramotswa. 

“Little did the ELM and the Balete know at the time that this was going to be a glorious relationship that would result in the establishment of two noble institutions that would not only save lives of the Bamalete people but also of all people in Botswana. There is no doubt that the ELM has changed and saved lives of many people in Gamalete and indeed Botswana as a whole,” he added. 

Mr Lelatisitswe said the solid foundation laid by the ELM through the BLH and school of nursing had entrenched Christian values that had seen the two institutions delivering satisfactorily on their mandates. 

He said as the hospital was famous for loving and compassionate provision of health care, and the nursing school was known for producing some of the most caring midwives in the country. 

He said many patients who been to the hospital never ceased to talk about its good service especially in the area of maternal health, as well as ear, nose and throat services. 

“It is not surprising, therefore, that though the two started from humble beginnings, they have grown to become amongo the most preferred hospitals and schools of nursing in the country. 

The nursing school grew from a small institution registered under Serowe Institute of Health Services to a fully-fledged health training institute that is now affiliated to the University of Botswana,” he said. 

He urged the new partnership to keep the light burning and continue providing quality healthcare services rooted on Christian values. 

For her part BLH Board chairperson Ms Joyce Sengate said the handover was a historic moment and hoped for cordial relations with the new owners. 

“A signed Memorandum of Agreement between the government and BLH for a period of five years demonstrates the commitment of the two parties to work together for the benefit of the nation. 

This hospital does not serve Bagamalete only but the nation at large,” she added. 

She explained the two institutions had until then, been run by a board of directors. Regional representative of ELM Reverend Joachim Ludemann said the church and Bagamalete had enjoyed good cooperation and excellent service throughout the years. 

He said the new dispensation was expected to usher in new hope. 

He appealed for closer cooperation between relevant parties.

 He said the new owners should strive prioritoise the best interest of the people and be ready to accept criticism.

 He said ELM was forever grateful to the government of Botswana for the unwavering support throughout the years and appreciated government’s commitment to continue supporting the project. BOPA