30 Jul 2023

There are nine medical doctors at Palapye Primary Hospital, including a medical officer and a family physician.

Minister of Health, Dr Edwin Dikoloti noted that the current establishment register, which shows seven medics, was old and did not reflect the actual needs on the ground. 

He said positions were sought looking at disease trends, population served and DHMT needs.

He said his ministry was not aware of the 15 vacant posts of doctors at Palapye Primary Hospital. 

He, however, said there were four doctors currently on training and eight vacant positions following transfers and promotions.

Dr Dikoloti also said the proposed construction of Palapye Primary Hospital entailed a 73-bed hospital comprising outpatient departments, in-put services, including six admissions and observation beds as well as support services such as procurement, mortuary and engineering services, among others.

He said the hospital was envisioned to have over 385 staff members which was inclusive of specialists, especially in the area of trauma, considering it’s proximity to the highway.

The minister could specify the envisaged completion date of the design, tender, award and construction as the project was still at pre-planning stage.

Palapye MP, Mr Onneile Ramogapi had asked the minister to apprise Parliament on the number of doctors and other human resource required as per the establishment record book visa vee the actual number.

The MP also wanted to know if there were any plans to replace or employ new recruits to fill the vacant posts, especially for the doctors.

He also asked the minister to provide details on the upgrading of the hospital and envisioned completion date. Ends