18 Nov 2025

 The availability of essential medical personnel and specialists remains critical to improving access to Primary Health Care (PHC) services.

Answering a parliamentary question from Boteti West MP, Mr Sam Digwa on Thursday, Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ketlhalefile Motshegwa said while the ministry continued to experience shortages of key personnel following the relocation of Primary Health Care services in April, measures were under way to rationalise the distribution of existing staff.

Minister Motshegwa said the ministry was also revising its training plan to address Primary Health Care needs, strengthening public private partnership, human resource development, and exploring international exchange programmes for specialised training.

Recruitment for newly created key positions is in progress, said Minister Motshegwa.

He also said that the ministry continued to capitalise on its proximity to communities to, ensure that health services were brought closer to the people.

Minister Motshegwa said currently, there were 48, 24-hour clinics across the country.

However, these remain inadequate and the ministry is committed to upgrading five facilities annually, to enhance access, Minister Motshegwa said, adding that the initiative would contribute towards achieving the Universal Health Coverage index target of 75 in the next five years.

Minister Motshegwa said as the demand for primary health care services increased, the ministry continued to review priorities for establishing health facilities.

He said there were currently 615 primary health care facilities and 1 300 health mobile stops. 

While efforts to construct new health facilities continued, he said, the ministry was also strengthening non-institutional health services through the Community Health Worker Programme under the Integrated Community-Based Health Services approach.

The minister said the revitalisation of primary health care required efficient and responsive emergency health care services, particularly in districts characterised by vast distances, scattered settlements, and difficult terrain that delayed access to care.

The current national ambulance fleet, though operational in some districts, remains inadequate to ensure equitable and timely emergency response across the country, Mr Motshegwa said.

Referral services continue to follow established pathways according to levels of care, he added.

Mr Motshegwa said the ministry had proposed a dedicated budget for the procurement of additional ambulances in the next financial year and that was expected to significantly improve service delivery.

That however, the minister said was subject to approval.

Mr Digwa had asked the minister to apprise the House on the specific measures the ministry was undertaking to improve equitable access to healthcare services in rural and remote areas, availability of essential medical personnel and specialists.

He also wanted to know the provision of 24-hour health care in rural areas and settlements, adequacy of primary healthcare facilities and equipment as well as provision of emergency and referral services for critically ill patients. BOPA