30 Mar 2026

Shortage of medical specialists will soon be an issue of the past at Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) hospital, as the vacancies will be filled.

Speaking during a tour of the hospital recently, Mr Assistant Minister of Health, Lawrence Ookeditse said vacancies included medical specialists such as  gynaecologist and dentist. 

Regarding delayed salaries since 2025, Mr Ookeditse attributed it to  government shortfall, emphasising that agreed-upon payments should be honoured. 

“When we made a commitment to pay salaries, it means salary becomes a right - it cannot be cut or delayed,” he said.

He highlighted the need for clear allocation of hospital subventions to ensure effective budget planning and avoid confusion between operational costs and specific funding.

‎The country expects improved drug availability, with current stock at 60 per cent. 

Mr Ookeditse noted disparities in drug distribution but expressed hope that incoming consignments would help.

He commended the hospital’s oxygen plant and pledged ministry support, urging management to finalise compliance paperwork. The plant could modernise the facility and benefit the country, he said.

Furthermore, he stated that as the government planned to increase funding for the facility, the mission administration needs to be more transparent and accountable in managing the resources. 

Mr Ookeditse emphasised fairness and accountability in resource use, staff training and benefits, promising a ministry team visit to address finance issues within two weeks.

He emphasised that SDA hospital should eliminate disparities among personnel, whether under the mission or ministry, especially considering arguments about public servants’ job security and mission staff benefits.

 “No staff member should have to convert to Adventism to secure their position,” warned the Assistant Minister.

The assistant minister was responding to the hospital chief executive officer, Dr Richard Senyenjo who had earlier on made deliberations on the state of medical equipment, drug availability and staff welfare. ENDS