Exodus of public doctors worries Makgato
Sharon Mathala | Wednesday March 23, 2016 14:15
Alarmed by the trend, Makgato said a team has been sent to benchmark in SADC countries on the conditions of service for health workers. “Their report is expected back by March 2016 and their recommendations will be forwarded to the Department of Public Service Management (DPSM) for the 2016/2017 financial year,” the minister told journalists at her quarterly briefing.
Makgato announced an increase of 10 percent in qualifying nurses’ post-basic allowances.
She said between June and July last year, the Ministry of Health hired eight specialist doctors. Thirty-one other medical specialists from Cuba were due to come to Botswana, with 14 already on local soils. A process is also underway to recruit from Mauritius, she said.
About 364 nurses were also recruited from the Institute of Health Sciences (IHS) and the University of Botswana (UB). Commenting on congestion at hospitals, Makgato said the ministry would introduce patient referrals from Letlhakane and Rakops primary hospitals to Orapa Hospital. She said the ministry had also noted the decongestion of patients especially at Princess Marina and Nyangabgwe, adding that work was continuing on the referral system and to strengthen specialist services.
“We are looking to decongest facilities across all levels of operations, especially at Marina and Nyangabgwe,” she said. “The first draft of the referral guidance is already available. The implementation framework for specialist services is also complete.” Makgato added that three clinic extended their operating hours from eight to 24 last year.