26 Jun 2025

The managing director of Orthosurge Botswana, Mr Oremeng Motshegare says  an ostomy does not define an individual but what matters is their courage to fully  embrace life.

Ostomy, a surgically created opening on the body to allow waste to exit when normal elimination pathways are blocked, is said to have the potential to lead to isolation as patients can experience discrimination and stigma hence the need for education.

Speaking during the Ostomy Patient Day celebration at Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital (NRH) on Wednesday, Mr Motshegare noted that having an ostomy was not the end of life but a shift in the way someone was living. He hailed the partnership between the government of Botswana and his organisation, which he said had flourished since 2000 noting that the company was committed to supporting this important journey for years to come. 

As part of their efforts, in 2021, Orthosurge Botswana donated a caravan to establish a stoma and wound care clinic at NRH, making it the second such facility in the country, serving the northern region. The first clinic is located at Princess Marina Hospital in the south.

Mr Motshegare further indicated that currently, Orthosurge Botswana had sponsored one nurse for advanced training, with plans to send more nurses for similar opportunities as a way of addressing the shortage of ostomy-trained professionals in the country.  The clinic is currently staffed with only three ostomy nurses, which is inadequate given the wide geographical area they serve.   

In his welcome address, the clinical manager of NRH, Dr Kobamelo Motshidisi, highlighted the financial challenges associated with ostomy care, particularly the high cost of equipment and the surgeries required. He explained that while the government utilised public funds for these operations, it could not fully manage ostomy care alone. Dr Motshidisi welcomed Orthosurge Botswana’s support in facilitating essential ostomy surgeries. He noted that public awareness about this condition remained low, and many people associated it with stigma. 

Speaking at the event, General Surgeon, Dr Safi Uledi explained that an ostomy, which involves creating a surgical opening for waste excretion, can be a life-changing experience. He mentioned that many patients with advanced cancer required ostomies, alongside others who might need them due to severe injuries from road accidents. 

Dr Uledi explained that there were two main types of ostomies, permanent and temporary, which could stem from the large or small intestine or the urinary system. A patient, Ms Wada Gaithuse from Tshesebe shared her journey, stating, “initially, I faced many challenges, but as a social worker, my ostomy has allowed me to regain joy in life. It is not a disease, it is a lifelong solution, and I encourage others to embrace their condition.” 

Mr Navy Ramarumo from Bobonong, who underwent surgery in April, recounted his initial struggles with accepting his condition.

“At first, I only thought about death,” he admitted. “However, I have since accepted myself. I am married with three children, and the outlook on my life has positively changed. I now realise I am not alone in this journey,” concluded Mr Ramarumo. 

The day served as a vital platform to raise awareness about ostomy care and celebrate the strength of patients living with this condition. The other objective was to involve patients in decisions about their own care, foster connections between patients and support groups, and raise awareness about ostomy care to empower those living with the condition. It was held under the theme: Creating a safe, empowering space for ostomates. ENDS