Gaborone cllrs criticise clinics take-over

CHANDAPIWA BAPUTAKI
Staff Writer | Wednesday March 24, 2010 00:00

 

Speaking at a full council meeting after Matlhabaphiri's presentation on the takeover, councillor Dominique Gombalumbe of Ledumang Ward said that it is unfortunate central government made the move under the pretence that it will improve services.

'There had always been a shortage of doctors in clinics,   compared to hospitals in the country. The Ministry of Local Government has been providing accommodation for the nurses in clinics and we want to know if central government is going to take over in that department too,' Gombalumbe said.

The sole Botswana National Front (BNF) councillor, Olebogeng Kemelo of Bontleng Ward asked how the Ministry of Health will manage hundreds of clinics, while it has failed in running and improving service in just 34 hospitals.

'There is going to be more problems in the health provision than we have been having,' he said. Thema Bawe of Tsholofelo East Ward said that it is unfortunate that  Matlhabaphiri came to them when a decision had already been taken without their views and input.

'We do understand what you are telling us because you have not come to ask for our input. But we all know that it is easy to say something than practically doing it on the ground,' he said.

The deputy mayor and councillor of Babusi Ward Nkayigwa Haskins said that the councils  have been managing the clinics well and it is not right to put them under the Ministry of Health without consultation. 'We want you to withdraw this decision while you consult all stakeholders involved,' he said.

But Matlhabaphiri said that the Ministry of Health has met with the leaders of councils and the Ministry of Local Government last year at Cresta Lodge in Gaborone and nobody opposed the takeover.

He explained that they realised that there was congestion at some hospitals because of a shortage of facilities at clinics. He explained that they have realised that the clinics had to compete with other departments at Ministry of Local Government for funds, while there is enough money to be used by both clinics and hospitals at the Ministry of Health.

'We also wanted to solve the issue of shortage of staff whereby you will find congestion of patients in clinics while there is no shortage in other clinics, shortage of resources in some clinics while there is no shortage in others. You will also find out that there are those clinics that operate 24 hours, while some close at 16.30 hours and those doctors and nurses could be called after hours to assist where there is congestion,' he said.

The minister stated that District Health Management teams will remain in place with the same staff to be supported with personnel from the hospitals. 'It would then be easy for those teams at the hospitals to know what is happening at the clinics and vice versa,' Matlhabaphiri said. He added that they have consulted with unions about the takeover.