SIKH Council opens community clinic

The clinic has begun operating with one doctor and one nurse, both funded by the Sikh Council. However, the organisation hopes to partner with government to expand services and eventually operate the facility 24 hours a day, including weekends.

In addition to providing medical consultations, the clinic dispenses medication. Where prescribed medicines are unavailable, patients are referred to the council's pharmacy at BBS Mall to access their treatment. Speaking during the handover ceremony, attended by Assistant Minister of Health Lawrence Ookeditse and Ledumang Member of Parliament Shawn Ntlhaile, on Sunday, Sikh Council of Botswana chairperson Onkar Chana said the long-term vision is to establish a fully fledged healthcare facility serving the wider community. "This Nanak Clinic is open to everyone regardless of race or religion. It is our responsibility as the Sikh Council to respond whenever we identify a community need. We are also Batswana and have a duty to contribute towards national development by improving healthcare services," Chana said. Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner to Botswana, Bharath Kuthati, reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties between Botswana and India, saying the partnership would continue to benefit Botswana's health sector.