Local cancer survivor, Nadine Motshegwe, has narrated how her journey through Botswana’s healthcare system has been filled with frustration, delays and broken promises.
She took time to reflect on the struggles faced by cancer patients, as the country joins the world in marking World Cancer Day this week. Motshegwe, who was diagnosed with bone cancer at just 16 years old, says the country’s health system has failed her at critical moments of her battle with the disease. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Mmegi Online, she shared her personal struggles and concerns about the system’s shortcomings. “In my opinion, the health system is not doing enough to help cancer patients; there is a delay in urgency when it comes to cancer cases. A lot of people go to hospitals with cancer symptoms, but it takes too long for the doctors to think about the possibility of cancer," said Motshegwe. She explained that patients often wait too long for a diagnosis, and even when cancer is confirmed, the treatment process is far from smooth.
“For example, in our medical system, a patient might be booked for chemotherapy, but when they get to the hospital, they are told there is no medication or that there are shortages," the survivor remarked. Motshegwe also highlighted lack of critical education about cancer in Botswana and that many people are not educated enough to recognise the early signs of cancer. "Most people don’t really know what cancer is,” she said. Reflecting on her own experience, Motshegwe recalled her initial disbelief after being diagnosed.
“At the beginning of my cancer journey, I doubted my doctors. I didn’t believe I had cancer. I was 16 years old, and I was in very big denial.” Furthermore, she mentioned that her trust in the healthcare system was further shaken when she needed to travel to South Africa for treatment that was not offered in Botswana. “They took too long to get back to me, and at one point, I thought I was going to die at home without any help." Despite receiving surgery, Motshegwe’s condition has not improved as she had hoped. "I was told after my operation that I would be able to walk, but it's been 11 years now, and I still can’t walk, although the doctors explained to me why I can’t walk again I still don’t have confidence in the healthcare system," she remarked.
As the world commemorates World Cancer Day, she is calling on government and healthcare authorities to do more to ensure timely diagnoses, better treatment options, and greater awareness about cancer in the country. “It has been a long journey for me, and I don’t want others to go through the same struggles, the health system needs to do better, for the sake of the patients," said Motshegwe.
“For example, in our medical system, a patient might be booked for chemotherapy, but when they get to the hospital, they are told there is no medication or that there are shortages," the survivor remarked. Motshegwe also highlighted lack of critical education about cancer in Botswana and that many people are not educated enough to recognise the early signs of cancer. "Most people don’t really know what cancer is,” she said. Reflecting on her own experience, Motshegwe recalled her initial disbelief after being diagnosed.
“At the beginning of my cancer journey, I doubted my doctors. I didn’t believe I had cancer. I was 16 years old, and I was in very big denial.” Furthermore, she mentioned that her trust in the healthcare system was further shaken when she needed to travel to South Africa for treatment that was not offered in Botswana. “They took too long to get back to me, and at one point, I thought I was going to die at home without any help." Despite receiving surgery, Motshegwe’s condition has not improved as she had hoped. "I was told after my operation that I would be able to walk, but it's been 11 years now, and I still can’t walk, although the doctors explained to me why I can’t walk again I still don’t have confidence in the healthcare system," she remarked.
As the world commemorates World Cancer Day, she is calling on government and healthcare authorities to do more to ensure timely diagnoses, better treatment options, and greater awareness about cancer in the country. “It has been a long journey for me, and I don’t want others to go through the same struggles, the health system needs to do better, for the sake of the patients," said Motshegwe.
