11 Jul 2024

Botswana has received a 17^th medical team from China aimed at enhancing access to healthcare services and improving service delivery efficiency.  

The team was welcomed by  by Dr Mareko Ramotsababa, the Secretary for Primary Healthcare, who highlighted the significance of the team’s presence in addressing the challenges faced by Botswana’s health sector.

Among the challenges mentioned were the shortage of specialised health personnel, rising demands for specialised services due to changing disease patterns, and high staff turnover rates. 

Dr Ramotsababa expressed satisfaction at China’s ongoing commitment to supporting Botswana in enhancing healthcare services across all levels of care.

The collaboration between the two countries has been fruitful, with Botswana benefiting from not only medical personnel support, but also equipment assistance and capacity building initiatives.

The 17^th China Medical Team, consisting of 40 specialists, a team leader, an interpreter, two drivers, and two cooks, will provide medical services primarily at Princess Marina Hospital and Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital.

Acknowledging the efforts of the outgoing 16^th China Medical Team, Dr Ramotsababa praised their dedication during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 He emphasised their pivotal role in managing the pandemic and their contribution to the bilateral relations between Botswana and China. 

“The team assisted us dearly, to manage the pandemic, we truly do not take their sacrifice to serve our people for granted, they have also been very key in the discussion and negotiations for the signing of the new protocol between Botswana and China,” he said. 

For his part, Mr Guo Zhenguang, the Chargé d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Botswana, emphasised the longstanding cooperation in the field of medicine and healthcare between China and Botswana. 

He highlighted the positive impact of previous medical teams in Botswana, mentioning the training of local medical professionals and the advancement of medical services in the country.

Expressing gratitude towards the outgoing team and encouraging the 17^th team to continue the noble work, Mr Guo commended the dedication and compassion shown by the Chinese medical teams.  

The outgoing team leader, Mr Chen Denghua, extended his appreciation for the opportunity to serve and praised the team’s resilience in facing challenges such as the COVID-19 outbreaks. 

The collaboration between China and Botswana in the healthcare sector continues to strengthen, marking a solid foundation for mutual support and friendship between the two countries. Ends