23 Feb 2026

Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital (SKMTH) has officially taken over paediatric medical services previously provided at Princess Marina Hospital effective, February 16.

In a public notice issued last week, SKMTH confirms it will now serve as the national Centre of Excellence for Paediatric Medical Services, marking a significant shift in the delivery of specialised child healthcare.

Services transferred to SKMTH include the Paediatric Medical Ward, Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, as well as Paediatric High Care. However, paediatric surgical services including paediatric orthopaedics will remain at Princess Marina Hospital.

“Parents and caregivers are urged to take note of the changes to avoid confusion when seeking treatment,” states the release.

Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Health Botswana, Dr Christopher Nyanga, said the move formed part of broader efforts to strengthen specialised paediatric care and improve coordination of services.

“The relocation represents an important step in consolidating paediatric medical expertise under one roof,” he said, adding that centralising services at SKMTH was expected to enhance quality of care, improve patient outcomes, and optimise the use of specialised infrastructure and personnel.

Dr Nyanga said paediatric cases would be assessed individually during the relocation and restructuring process. He explained that where a child required both medical and surgical intervention, medical teams would conduct thorough evaluations and advise families on the appropriate course of treatment to ensure continuity of care and patient safety.

Addressing concerns about possible confusion during the transition, Dr Nyanga said a comprehensive implementation plan, including ongoing stakeholder engagement, had been put in place to ensure a smooth and coordinated process.

On the broader impact for paediatric healthcare in Botswana, he noted that the move aligned with previously communicated objectives to strengthen service delivery and improve patient management within existing health system frameworks.

He encouraged parents and guardians to continue seeking medical attention as needed, assuring them that each case would be individually assessed and that clear guidance would be provided throughout the transition.

Dr Nyanga added that the development signaled a strategic realignment within the public health system, positioning SKMTH as a specialised hub for complex paediatric medical conditions, particularly in oncology and high-dependency care. BOPA