23 Jun 2022

Ministry of Health has signed an agreement with Cuba to assist the country’s health system with 74 doctors

This was said by Assistant Minister of Health, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe during a kgotla meetings  in Sefhare/Ramokgonami recently.

The assistant minister said the doctors have different specialities and were expected in the country in August.

He was responding to issues of shortage of staff raised by nurses in Sefhare/Ramokgonami clusters.

Mr Lelatisitswe also informed residents that government took a decision to administer a second booster for COVID-19 because research had shown that it increased protection against the disease.

He appealed to residents to take booster shots, to give themselves more protection.Mr Lelatisitswe also toured Pilikwe and Ramokgonami clinics to appreciate the status of health facilities.

Earlier, nurses in charge of Pilikwe, Ramokgonami and Chadibe clusters in Sefhare/ Ramokgonami had complained about shortage of staff and amenities as ambulances, health equipment and space as hindrances to service delivery.

Nurses in charge of Ramokgonami/ Moshopha, Pilikwe and Chadibe catchment areas stated that ambulances were not readily available in their facilities hence rely on others though such  for referrals of emergency cases and other duties.

They said the number of nurses at their clinics did not correlate with the services that should be provided which compelled staff to multitask.

Their plea was that relevant officials ensure that officers who had been transferred, were replaced on time and a solution to drug shortage at the facilities.

A nurse from Ramokgonami/ Moshopha catchment area, Ms Lesedi Moeti said Ramokgonami clinic started operating in 1986 and operated as call to duty but literally operating 24 hours as evidenced by the number of patients in the after hour register.

She said Ramokgonami clinic was among the busiest because it was preferred by residents of nearby villages as Maape, Gootau, Goosekgweng, Manaledi and Ratholo due to the village’s accessibility and proximity.

Ms Moeti said the clinic was 36 years-old yet had never been extended to cope with the current population.

She said the clinic had no IDCC structure like other facilities in some areas.

Kgosi Johane Rakumako of Pilikwe said the village clinic needed major maintenance because it was old.  

He pleaded with Assistant Minister Lelatisitswe to consider demolishing the old structure and build a new one. ENDS