Medtech rescues financial distressed, overburdened Nyangabgwe
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Wednesday August 6, 2025 11:54
When receiving the donation of 100 clinical scrubs worth P100,000, Hospital Manager 1, Lyster Motlhono, said that the donation will significantly improve the financially strapped and overcrowded medical facility.
Motlhono stated that the hospital is currently experiencing financial difficulties due to the nation's dire economic situation. He further noted that services provided by the hospital must be rendered without interruption, despite the challenges.
'When patients come to visit us, they are more interested in our services than the hospital's predicament. They expect to be helped and not bothered by financial limitations,' he added.
Motlhono pointed out that the hospital has been dealing with severe challenges, including an inadequate supply of scrubs.
He maintained that since NRH serves two-thirds of the nation, starting from Gantsi, Maun, Kasane, and Tutume regions, the donation of scrubs would not only help the hospital but also many people. For instance, he said that Gantsi takes patients to Maun, and they are ultimately referred to NRH. The entire northern region of the nation refers to NRH, which puts an excessive strain on its budget.
He said that when they budget, they look at the population census but fail to account for the large number of patients who come from across the nation to be assisted at NRH.
Motlhono noted that they will have to provide food, bedding, and other necessities to these patients. Furthermore, he said that the referrals put an excessive strain on the hospital's resources. 'For example, when patients are dropped off at NRH, ambulances ought to transport them back to their homes. The wage bill increases as a result of ambulance drivers claiming overtime,' he continued. As such, Motlhono added that the auditors are concerned about the high NRH wage bill and the frequently high overtime allowance.
He said that the Government Purchase Order (GPO) provisions are currently suspended, which makes it challenging to collaborate with service providers that support the hospital, such as Medtech Supplies. According to Motlhono, nothing is moving in the absence of the GPO.
Mothomo gave an example of a cracked administrative door, 'which was vandalised by a mental patient, is a typical case. It cannot be fixed now because the patient damaged the door when the GPO was suspended'. Speaking of the donors, Motlhono said that the company is a blessing due to its contributions to support the NRH community.
He urged Medtech Supplies to continue its donations but suggested that they provide intellectual support rather than physical items, as not many Batswana have penetrated the health market. Motlhono stated that the complex market has historically been controlled by Indians and is difficult for locals to access, as many have tried but have not been successful.
NRH Deputy Superintendent Kobamelo Motshidisi had previously stated that Medtech Supplies had been providing medical supplies for the theatre, which helped the hospital avoid sending cases to more costly private institutions.
Motshidisi anticipated that this wouldn't be the last donation, given the government's financial constraints and the role of private companies in supporting public services.
Medtech Supplies executive operations manager Lesego Mooketsi said that the donation goes beyond simply giving out uniforms, as it symbolizes the company's dedication to helping medical professionals who work tirelessly in neuro and maxillofacial surgeries. The company has had the privilege of helping over 100 patients.
Additionally, he acknowledged the vital necessity for comfortable, high-quality theatre clothing, which has a direct impact on medical personnel's morale and general well-being.
'Botswana is at a pivotal stage, and the donation aligns with President Duma Boko's inspiring statement in his 2024 State of the Nation Address. We all support the ambitious objective of universal health coverage, which guarantees that all citizens can obtain necessary medical care without facing financial difficulty,' he continued.
He also noted that this initiative echoes global commitments under Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on good health and well-being, emphasizing the importance of ending epidemics, improving healthcare access, and ensuring affordable medicines and medical products.