This healthcare system will entail provision of adequate resources, building new clinics and maintenance of existing ones. It will also have regard for the welfare and conditions of service of workers for sound and harmonious industrial relations.
The ministry received the mandate of primary healthcare services effective April 1, 2025.
The promise was made by the Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, in a meeting with the Botswana Doctors Union (BDU) on Monday.
The two sides had met to discuss the ongoing standoff over emergency call duties. BDU had sought the minister’s guidance and requested his support in expediting the resolution of the matter, which they fear may escalate into a major public health concern.
Motshegwa said the new administration, in the quest for reforms in industrial relations, respects the rights of trade unions and workers. Therefore, he said, workers and their organisations will be given the due respect and role in the broader industrial democracy.
He further indicated that the government is committed to the upliftment of morale and motivation of employees so that in turn workers can offer quality services to the people.
He further emphasised that productivity shouldn't come at the expense of employees' welfare calling for a balanced approach prioritising both service delivery and the wellbeing of healthcare workers.
Motshegwa also highlighted the importance of timely grievance resolution, open effective social dialogue and good faith during negotiations.
He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to merit-based recruitment and performance management and encouraged early engagement on emerging issues to avoid future conflicts.
"I encourage you to allow the government time to refresh its negotiation mandate towards amicable solution of the matter," Motshegwa said.
"That would enable key ministries including my ministry, Ministry of Health, and Ministry for State President to hold internal discussions and mandate the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM) to engage with the union in a manner that identifies the problem and consequently generate appropriate solution in the best interests of the doctors and on the other hand sustainable on the part of government."
On that note the minister acknowledged the budgetary impact of the issue but stressed the need for a resolution in the interest of delivering quality healthcare services.
He added that the ministry is now tasked with overseeing primary health care services hence committed to creating a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals.
BDU president, Dr Kefilwe Selema, outlined the union’s long standing concerns, particularly around excessive on-call hours that leave doctors with inadequate rest.
He noted that despite following all formal channels including negotiating with the employer, reporting to the labour office, engaging in mediation, and even seeking arbitration the matter remains unresolved and has since been referred to the industrial court.
Selema emphasised that doctors often accumulate rest days during holidays, sometimes up to 40 days, in addition to their 30-day annual leave. He further disclosed to have previously proposed the hiring of more doctors to ease the workload and standardise on-call duties, both in structure and compensation.
However, Selema said the union remains open to dialogue and are ready to engage once a progressive mandate is presented by the employer.
"We are happy with the reception at your ministry and impressed with the approach in terms of industrial relations," he said.
