11 Dec 2013

The Assistant Minister of Health, Dr Gloria Somolekae, has told Parliament that Old Naledi clinic operates on a 24 hour basis to improve access to maternity services.

She said similarly Old Naledi community needs improved access to general outpatient services by expanding the clinic operation times to 24 hours.

However she said the ministry is challenged with shortage of manpower to open outpatient services on 24 hour basis. She stated that consideration shall be given as soon as the manpower situation improves.

Dr Somolekae said the population size for Old Naledi community like other areas in Gaborone deserves the expansion of operational times to 24 hours. Furthermore, she said services provided by health facilities are reviewed continuously to consider the expansion or upgrading of these facilities.

She said Old Naledi is among the clinics that will be reviewed in the next financial year for possible expansion of operating hours. The MP for Gaborone South, Mr kagiso Molathegi had asked her to explain why the maternity ward at Old Naledi clinic is open 24 hours and if the same reasons cannot be applied to and justify the 24 hour opening of the whole clinic.
He had also asked whether Old Naledi with a population of 19 076 people does not deserve a 24 hour health service. ENDS