02 Feb 2026

The handing over of a state-of-the-art mobile X-ray clinic to Gumare Primary Hospital is a testament to government’s commitment to address healthcare challenges facing the Okavango district.
The clinic is one of the three, which were on Friday dispatched to Panadmantenga Clinic and Bobonong Primary Hospital by the Ministry of Health, marking a turning point in rural healthcare.
The absence of key health care services, such as an X-ray machine in Gumare being the district headquarters and about 306 kilometers to the furthest village of Gudigwa on the Eastern Panhandle of the Delta, has been taxing for many people.
Also, Gumare being far-flung from some of the remotest villages of Xaixai, Nxauxau accessed by gravel roads only and Jao, being a flood plain accessible by air or boat, meant the people of Okavango incurred hardships and costs to travel for such services to the neighboring districts of Ghanzi and North West in Maun.
On the sidelines of the mobile X-ray clinic handover by Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ignatius Moswaane on Saturday, a number of speakers expressed their delight.
Nominated councillor, Mr Osefelepelo Gaebolae who spoke on behalf of the Okavango District Council chairperson, expressed gratitude for the X-ray mobile clinic, stating the facility was a worthwhile investment for the people of Gumare and Okavango as a whole.
‘’Patients will receive the necessary services nearer, as the mobile X-ray machine will be moved to other parts of the district whenever the need arises,’’ he said.
Moreover, Mr Gaebolae appreciated the recent theatre bed given to Gumare Primary Hospital, adding that such swift responses from government were humbling and renewed hope for Okavango.
In his remarks, Kgosi Moitshepi Molelwa of Gumare said the mobile X-ray mobile unit was a welcome development and proved government’s commitment to heed challenges facing the district.
He however decried that the proposed upgrading of Gumare Primary Hospital kept on being deferred although the community had offered land for the project.
A resident, Ms Sofiya Qhumorozi expressed happiness that X-ray services were available in Gumare, something she said would cut costs incurred travelling to places such as Maun to access the same.
Gumare Primary Hospital Family Physician, Dr Ditiro Goitsemang stated that lack of crucial services such as X-ray machines overwhelmed health care officers since they had to refer patients as far as Maun amid bad roads that oftentimes caused vehicle breakdowns.
For his part, Mr Moswaane reiterated government’s commitment to tackle challenges facing the health system.
‘’The current government would ensure Batswana received necessary healthcare services and other relevant services,’’ he said.
To this end, he said ministers and assistant ministers were going around the country visiting government institutions to appreciate challenges on the ground and to provide support to public officers.
He relayed also that government would continue to ensure medicines are available, although not yet at 100 per cent. ENDS