Conflicting messages from the Ministry of Health have plunged Botswana’s hospital system into fresh uncertainty with patients now reportedly at risk as tensions flare between nurse leadership and the government.
The controversy stems from a series of official communications regarding the practice of “nurses’ coverage,” a system where nurses provide hospital-wide coverage beyond their usual duties. On 1st August 2025, Permanent Secretary of Health, Professor Oathokwa Nkomazana, issued a savingram directing all hospitals to terminate the practice immediately. The directive cited concerns raised by nurses and midwives over the demanding nature of the coverage which often included additional administrative responsibilities outside the scope of standard nursing duties.
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