The Ministry of Health (MoH) announced in a press statement this week that it was going ahead with privatisation of laundry, cleaning, gardening services and maintenance of medical equipment, which will be done in phases. "In line with the government policy, the ministry has started an outsourcing exercise of non-core duties for efficiency and maximum performance. This exercise will enable the ministry to improve service delivery, return on investment and contribute to economic diversity," reads a press statement written by MoH chief public relations officer (PRO) Doreen Motshegwa.
The outsourcing exercise conceived in 2004, "started within the Ministry of Health in 2010 and was operationalised in 2011. It should also be noted that outsourcing would greatly benefit the ministry, the economy and the country at large". Motshegwa said phase one of the outsourcing will start at referral hospitals such as Sbrana Psychiatric (Lobatse), Princess Marina and Nyangabgwe. Phase two will include outsourcing at district hospitals including Mahalapye, Scottish Livingstone (Molepolole) and Letsholathebe II. Other phases will include outsourcing at primary hospitals and clinics. "Gardening maintenance, laundry and cleaning services at Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital are already fully outsourced, while the exercise at Princess Marina Hospital is ongoing," she said.
