09 Sep 2026

Critical leadership and specialist vacancies continue to stretch the capacity of healthcare sector in Bobirwa District, chairperson, Mr Johannes Gaosikelwe says.

While speaking during a Bobirwa District Council (BDC) sitting, Monday, Mr Gaosikelwe who declared that the district stood at a ‘vital crossroads in our health journey’ said the district was navigating a landscape defined by profound and urgent healthcare challenges.

“Our greatest immediate challenge lies in our human capital, the heartbeat of our healthcare system,” Mr. Gaosikelwe said.

He revealed that the position of deputy council secretary (Primary Healthcare) role was running on acting basis while chief medical officer position remained vacant.

Additionally, the council chairperson said there were only two medical doctors serving 18 health facilities across the district. “Similarly, in our pharmacies, where every prescription matters, we have no qualified pharmacist. Therefore, the vital task of drug management currently rests on capable shoulders of a single pharmacy technician” he said.

Not only is the district dogged by the abovementioned personnel but by also shortage of midwives despite the intention to open the Molalatau Clinic maternity wing before end of September.

All the 18 health facilities reportedly require general maintenance, while Mabeleng, Motlhabaneng and Damochujenaa health facilities required urgent structural upgrades to clinic statuses. “Drug availability fluctuates under budgetary pressures, and while our nine operational ambulances and single utility vehicle work tirelessly across the district, none of our 18 facilities yet operate on 24-hour basis,” the chairpersonsaid.

He stated that with the right mobilisation of resources, clinics like Borotsi, Sefophe, Tsetsebjwe, Mathathane and Semolale were poised and ready to step into 24-hour service.

However, despite the challenges, the community outreach and support systems have reportedly ‘seen moments of remarkable triumph paired with persistent hurdles.’

It is reported that the district, while navigating through temporary absence of community alcohol volunteers, it is also awaiting new community health workers.

While faced with the mammoth challenges, the district prides itself with resilience, which has been put to test and conquered, according to the council chairperson.

He revealed that the heal facilities capacities were put to test in August when an overwhelming surge of 1 828 influenza-like cases hit the district and stretched sites like Matshekge Youth Clinic and Bobonong Primary Hospital.

“However, through swift action, our rapid response team mobilised community leaders, ramped up public education and investigated samples that revealed a mx of influenza A SARS-CoV-2,” Mr. Gaosikelwe said.

On other health-related issues, the chairperson said he was committed to advancing his roadmap for health and social wellness as a defining priority.

He cited the recently held Mathathane Botsogo Pitso, held under the theme: Botsogo Jwame, Boikarabelo Jwame (My Health, My Responsibility) as one of the pointers to his commitment to a healthy district. ENDS