06 Apr 2022

 Botswana Health Professions Council (BHPC) pledge does not discriminate against non-clinical professions, but rather inclusive and emphasises provision of health services to all.
That was emphasised by health and wellness assistant minister, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe in response to questions in Parliament on April 5.
“I can acknowledge the over-stating of the word patient in the pledge, but the intention is rather not to discriminate.

In understanding the pledge, MPs have to understand the principle of Universal Health Coverage that Botswana subscribes to, which provides for a holistic involvement of various professions around the health of an individual or society, that is, ‘access to key promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative health interventions for all at an affordable cost, thereby achieving equity in access to health services’ (as defined by the World Health Assembly in 2005),” Mr Lelatisitswe said.

He indicated that three of the four categories of health services provision were non-clinical, which informed the inclusion and listing of professions into the Health Professions Act, Schedule B for regulations, whereas the curative category remained the only clinical health service.

“Your question has made reference to the definition of health, which is ‘a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’.
 I want to state that this definition of health as prescribed by WHO, is adopted and equally used in Botswana.
Although it has been the norm to refer to health services recipients as patients, we have since adopted the progressive practice of referring to those clients who require non-clinical services as clients, and those who require clinical services as patients,” he explained.

He further indicated that the ministry was not aware of any professionals who did not want to identify themselves with the council, adding that the ministry had however been receiving inquiries from other non-clinical health professions about inclusion into Schedule B of the Act, of which the Council had been alerted.
“With regard to amending the pledge to reflect the diversity of professions, I can safely say that will be carried out along with the overall revision of the Health Professions Act and the drafting of related legal instruments. Here we take note that every health professional has to take and sign the pledge upon registration, as it is a requirement and not an option,” the assistant minister said.

MP for Jwaneng/Mabutsane, Mr Mephato Reatile had wanted to know if the BHPC pledge was discriminatory against non-clinician based health professions, which are regulated by the same Act.
Among other things, Mr Reatile also wanted to know when the minister would consider amending the pledge such that it reflected the diversity of the council in terms of the professions governed by the same, and when such amendments could be expected. ENDS