Gov’t should rescue Selebi-Phikwe

Mmegi Editor | Monday June 30, 2025 09:26

In an era of a government that prides itself on being human rights-oriented, we expect healthcare in places like the former mining town to be given first priority. This is especially after Selebi-Phikwe’s fortunes dwindled to the lowest ebb following the closure of BCL Mine. The copper/nickel mine was the flagship of a single commodity-dependent economy and the breadbasket of the region.

We consider the shortage of key health personnel in Selebi-Phikwe to be self-inflicted as there seems to be no justification really why there should be such gaps in health staff complement.

We would like to reiterate that health matters are human rights issues. It was so painful when this matter was recently raised at the SPTC full council meeting. The shortage also affects the quality and accessibility of healthcare services in the once bubbly town.

The Urban Development Committee (UDC) report presented during the recent full council meeting painted a picture that the town’s healthcare establishment requires 68 midwives to meet its needs. Yet it is currently operating with only 51, resulting in a shortfall of 17 midwives. The report also revealed a dire need for medical doctors to cover the Selebi-Phikwe General Hospital (SPGH) and its seven satellite clinics. At present, only nine doctors serve the entire district, including the hospital and clinics falling short of the minimum requirement by 10 doctors. Adding to the strain, the hospital is experiencing a shortage of radiological personnel. It is currently operating with only three radiographers, with no dedicated radiologist on staff. The situation is further compounded by a glaring lack of eye care professionals as the district has just one eye nurse responsible for both the hospital and the seven clinics. We, therefore, appeal to the decision makers to treat the shortage of medical personnel in the town with the seriousness it deserves. The status quo infringes on the rights of the people to access good healthcare.

Considering that Selebi-Phikwe, as a beleaguered town is surrounded by villages that depend solely on its facilities for their hope of survival, the situation is also not helped by the reality that health facilities in the villages around the town are also poor.

Authorities have to close these gaps fast so that Batswana living around Selebi-Phkwe are not denied the right to access proper medical facilities at the right time. We also know for certain that Botswana government has been experiencing acute shortages of drugs and medication. These realities continue to compound situations the health sector is grappling with.

Furthermore, we call upon health authorities to set their priorities right as nothing can really replace good health for the people.