The Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development Mmusi Kgafela handed over the Old Sekgoma Memorial refurbishment Project to the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Serowe on Thursday.
The old hospital which has been transformed into a 24 hour service clinic was refurbished at the cost of P47, 014, 818.70. The refurbishment included the Administration block, Stores/ Supplies, Kitchen Dinning, Doctor’s on call IDDC departments, outpatient department, mother and child and youth friendly department amongst others.
The facility consist of administration, an outpatient department with dispensary services, services amongst others; sexual & reproductive health services, chronic disease Centre, youth friendly clinic, Comprehensive care Centre, district Pharmacy warehouse, TB clinic and District Drug hubs.
In his address, Minister Kgafela applauded the ministry of health and wellness for availing funds for the facility to be refurbished because the facility will now enable the people of Serowe and surrounding areas to get more health services within their vicinity. “It has always been the policy of the government of Botswana for health and other important services to be brought closer to the people as has been done through the refurbishment of this facility, which is now ready to use,” he said.
Kgafela further said given the current health challenges facing the world that include the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic it is important that the health facilities are in good condition.
Meanwhile the minister condemned some contractors who are slow in completing projects. “I have learnt that the project took long time to complete, its completion was delayed by almost two years…we believe that projects should always be completed on time, within budget and with the desired quality for immediate beneficial use by the people,” advised Kgafela.
When receiving the project and delivering the speech on behalf of the Minister of Health and wellness Dr. Edwin Dikoloti, Sekgoma Memorial Hospital Acting superintendent Dr Malebogo Rauwe said the completion of the Sekgoma Memorial Clinic is another encouraging contribution towards the ministry’s pursuit to deliver quality universal health care.
He further said the project demonstrates the government commitment towards promoting access to inclusive, quality healthcare services in an effort to achieve sustainable development goal 3 of ‘ensuring healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages.’
He also said the ministry realized the urgent need to refurbish the Old hospital in order to ensure improved access to health care within Serowe and catchment areas.
“We are pleased to announce that we will be occupying the facility as soon as possible, and the opening ceremony will be organized when the hospital will be given to Batswana for utilization,” he said.
For his part, Serowe Administrative Authority Chairperson Lesedi Phuthego said the Sekgoma Memorial Clinic will relief the Main Sekgoma Memorial hospital which is currently overwhelmed as it acts as referral. “The last population census indicated that Serowe Population is between 55 and 60 thousand and there are 12 surrounding villages together with Palapye Hospital that Sekgoma Memorial Hospital act as their referral and this has always been challenging ” He said.
He further said the clinic will bring services to the people who are in its vicinity as they previously had to travel long distances to seek health services.