25 Nov 2025

Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital has unveiled the renovated paediatric theatre, made possible through donation by KIDS Operating Room, a United States America-based non-profit organisation. The state-of-the-art facility is the first dedicated paediatric surgical theatre at the hospital, designed exclusively to meet the surgical needs of children. 

The theatre becomes the second of its kind in Botswana, following the installation of a similar facility at Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone.

It is equipped with modern, high-tech surgical equipment, thanks to the philanthropy of Mr Steve Lansdown and wife, Maggie, who are based in the United Kingdom.

Head of the Project, Mr Caleb Machaira, described the donation as a step toward improving healthcare delivery, ensuring that children received specialised care they deserved. 

Mr Machaira stressed the importance of access to safe surgical care for children, noting that the new theatre would allow young patients to receive specialised treatment closer to home, ultimately transforming countless lives. 

For his part, Mr Lansdown said the organisation had been approached for assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when Botswana faced numerous challenges. 

Nyangabgwe Hospital Superintendent, Dr Ivan Kgetse expressed gratitude to the donors, acknowledging that government alone could not meet all healthcare needs. 

He commended the donors for their role in saving the lives of children. Delivering a vote of thanks, nominated councillor and Francistown City Council Health Committee chairperson, Mr Amos Madeluka, said the facility would serve not only children in Francistown but those across the entire country. ENDS