For patients’ sake gov't, doctors must unite

The Monitor Editor | Wednesday May 7, 2025 06:00

After weeks of conflict, court battles, and disrupted healthcare services, the promise of talks beginning May 10 offers hope. But this can't be another hollow truce. Both sides must now commit to genuine, good-faith negotiations. The stakes — patients’ lives and public trust in the healthcare system — are too high for half-hearted efforts.

The dispute began when doctors, frustrated by what they called 'exploitation' in emergency call duties, limited their services in April. The government’s initial failure to engage forced the BDU’s hand, leading to reduced staffing and strained services. When the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM) dragged the union to court, relations hit rock bottom. Thankfully, a last-minute consensus spared the nation a prolonged crisis. Doctors agreed to resume emergency duties whilst talks proceed, and both sides appointed a trusted mediator, Felix Lesetedi.

But lessons must be learned. The government’s silence during the BDU’s 72-hour ultimatum in April worsened tensions. For doctors, feeling unheard bred resentment. For patients, the fallout was fear and uncertainty. Healthcare isn't a privilege; it is a right. When doctors and the state clash, it is ordinary Batswana including mothers in labour, accident victims, and the chronically ill amongst others, who pay the price.

As negotiations begin, both parties must prioritise transparency and compromise. The government must acknowledge doctors’ grievances, including fair working hours and protection from burnout. Equally, the BDU should recognise the state’s duty to manage public resources and ensure services are sustainable. Mediator Lesetedi’s role will be vital in bridging these perspectives to the fore.

Critically, patients must be at the centre of every decision. A lasting solution requires investing in staffing, fair rotas, and clear communication. If public hospitals lack coverage, exploring public-private partnerships — as the BDU suggested — could be a stopgap. But such measures musn't replace long-term fixes.

The government and doctors hold a shared responsibility: to safeguard Botswana’s healthcare system. Past mistakes like delayed responses, adversarial tactics musn't repeat. Let this round of talks focus on common ground, not scoring points.

Botswana’s healthcare workers are its backbone. They deserve respect and safe working conditions. Patients deserve reliable care. This isn't a zero-sum game. By negotiating with empathy and honesty, both sides can craft a solution that honours doctors’ dedication and secures the public’s health.

The clock is ticking towards May 20. Let reason, compassion, and patriotism prevail. The nation is watching.