Francistown Mayor Godisang Radisigo is unhappy over the continuous shortage of key medical staff at Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital which impacts on its service delivery to patients. The overwhelmed hospital currently services a population of close to 100 000 patients in the North Region. He says as a result, there is an increase in complaints mainly due to long waiting periods. Radisigo was addressing a full council meeting on Monday.
“This shortage is affecting key departments in the hospital. Stakeholders are being engaged to finalize plans to decrease the waiting list within the second quarter of 2024,” he said.
On a positive note he said it was encouraging to note that the hospital has since embraced digitalisation by launching the use of a digital online customer satisfaction feedback and Staff satisfaction surveys. Through this technological initiative which was launched in May this year, customers can now give feedback electronically on their experience with regard to service delivery. Members of staff at the hospital can also give feedback about their welfare conveniently by using the electronic tool through an online survey. However the Mayor also expressed concern over the delay in the major refurbishing the hospital. Nyangabgwe Hospital is currently in the process of refurbishing its major infrastructure.
“The delay is due to the ongoing tender appeal process as one of the bidders is contesting the award decision,” he said
He revealed that the hospital has since partnered with another organization Kids OR to create pediatric theatres in Prince Marina Hospital and Nyangabgwe hospital. This project will include the conversion of existing spaces into a pediatric theatre, procurement of equipment, and training of staff. The project is expected to be funded to a tune of approximately P32, 7 46, 927. Radisigo also said the hospital has commissioned two more projects for the building of an archives unit for medical records and isolation units to admit patients with highly infectious conditions.
“Furthermore another major project to install a 10,000 liters oxygen tank at the Jubilee site to cater to the hospital wing’s oxygen needs is about to be complete,” added the Mayor.
Among other important health issues, he said the Francistown District Health Management Team (DHMT) currently has 15 medical officers covering 16 clinics in the city. He said it recently received dentists who will provide oral health services in the city. This is in addition to the family physicians who reported last year.
“Let us hope this will improve on the waiting time at our clinics. As part of the Transitional National Development Plan, a new TB laboratory will be constructed at ltekeng (Area W) clinic. This lab will service the entire northern part of the country and the contractor is finalizing mobilization to site,” he said.
“Aligning the districts simplifies coordination, participation in events and projects as well as reporting by DHMT’s. Other Districts such as Tutume have already started the process with ours coming in soon after,” emphasised Radisigo
He also revealed that Donga clinic is currently in preparation for assessment for accreditation by the Council for Health Service Accreditation of Southern Africa (COHSASA). COHSASA is an international body that assesses clinics and hospitals to ensure that they meet international health standards. This assessment is scheduled for November 2024.
Meanwhile Radisigo told the city council meeting that drug availability continues to improve with the average drug available for May 2024 standing at 91 percent for vital drugs, 88 percent for essential drugs, 87 percent for non-essential drugs and 90 percent for non-drugs.
“The DHMT continues to utilize micro-procurement to procure drugs and non-drugs while awaiting supplies from CMS,” he said.
