08 Sep 2022

Government is steadfast in prioritising health and ensuring easy access to healthcare services in rural areas.

Speaking during the tour of clinics in Xhumo, Mmadikola, Sekgophane and Xere on Wednesday, Vice President Slumber Tsogwane said three clinics had been developed in Boteti West through support from private sector to enhance access to health services.

He said Makalamabedi Clinic was already complete, while Kedia and Mopipi clinics were nearing completion. 

The vice president also said to promote good health and hygiene, there had to be access to clean water. 

As such, he said the Ministry of Finance had taken a decision to ensure that Boteti South and Central villages cluster water project took off.

Internet connectivity, he said, had been rolled out to rural areas to drive a knowledge-based economy initiative, adding that it would also enable the use of telemedicine.

Mr Tsogwane said Internet connectivity was also crucial in enhancing performance in the workplace as well as skills upgrading.

He said the aim of his visit was to appreciate health workers’ working conditions, challenges and structures they operated from.

Also, Mr Tsogwane said the visit was meant to give healthcare workers based in rural areas encouragement and support.

He said human capital development was important, adding that it was crucial to motivate public officers based in rural areas.

Shortage of accommodation, he said, affected the welfare of employees, noting that it was important to ensure that officers in remote areas had access to accommodation.

Xhumo Clinic head of facility, Ms Agnes Motswasele had complained about shortage of accommodation. Ms Motswasele also complained about bat infestation in the clinic and staff houses. ends