SIKH Council opens community clinic
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday July 28, 2026 12:05
The clinic has begun operating with one doctor and one nurse, both funded by the Sikh Council. However, the organisation hopes to partner with government to expand services and eventually operate the facility 24 hours a day, including weekends.
In addition to providing medical consultations, the clinic dispenses medication. Where prescribed medicines are unavailable, patients are referred to the council's pharmacy at BBS Mall to access their treatment. Speaking during the handover ceremony, attended by Assistant Minister of Health Lawrence Ookeditse and Ledumang Member of Parliament Shawn Ntlhaile, on Sunday, Sikh Council of Botswana chairperson Onkar Chana said the long-term vision is to establish a fully fledged healthcare facility serving the wider community. 'This Nanak Clinic is open to everyone regardless of race or religion. It is our responsibility as the Sikh Council to respond whenever we identify a community need. We are also Batswana and have a duty to contribute towards national development by improving healthcare services,' Chana said. Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner to Botswana, Bharath Kuthati, reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties between Botswana and India, saying the partnership would continue to benefit Botswana's health sector.
'Botswana and India enjoy excellent bilateral relations. Our government is committed to supporting Botswana through the donation of P40 million worth of antiretroviral (ARV) medicines. Beyond that, we will continue assisting with capacity building in areas that require support and will provide further assistance in the health sector where possible,' Kuthati said. For his part, Ookeditse welcomed the initiative, saying healthcare delivery should not be viewed as the government's responsibility alone. 'Health is everyone's responsibility, and it is encouraging to see communities complementing government's efforts. We are grateful to the Sikh Council for recognising the need for another clinic in this area. Government is committed to supporting this initiative, and discussions on areas of collaboration have already begun,' he said. He added that the clinic's opening comes at a critical time when the country is facing medicine shortages, noting that the council's decision to provide medication to patients would help ease pressure on the public healthcare system. Ntlhaile also welcomed the development, saying the additional facility would significantly reduce congestion at nearby clinics whilst bringing essential healthcare services closer to residents.
'Ledumang is a large ward, and having two clinics will improve access to healthcare not only for our residents but also for people from neighbouring areas. The Sikh Council has consistently demonstrated compassion by supporting vulnerable families with food assistance, even on weekends. It is commendable that the clinic is expected to attend to more than 40 patients daily, further strengthening healthcare delivery in the area,' he said.