The Cubans who were based at Tapologo and Kagiso clinics left the country last week after their contracts ended.In an interview with Mmegi Selebi-Phikwe Government Hospital (SPGH) spokesperson, Onalethata Nkwe said the pharmacists have not yet been replaced but they are hopeful that they will soon find individuals to fill the incumbent positions. To make matters worse, two doctors, who were also Cubans, have also left the Selebi-Phikwe Hospital following the lapse of their contracts.
The departure of the pharmacists follows the deportation of two other pharmacists, a Kenyan and a Tanzanian who were sent packing last year. Still last year, one pharmacist was transferred and another one passed away but there has not been a replacement of the duo. Nkwe explained that clinics that have pharmacists are Botshabelo, Industrial, Tapologong and Kagiso, including the Infectious Diseases Control Centres (IDCCs) dispensary. Clinics that do not have pharmacists are Lesolo and South East. Nkwe also noted that patients who are treated at Lesole get their medications from Botshabelo while those who are attended to at South East are given prescriptions at Tapologong clinic.
