03 Dec 2024

Assistant Minister of Health Mr Lawrence Ookeditse has stressed the need for Tutume District Health Management Team (DHMT) to shift focus from primarily curing ailments to prioritising preventative healthcare.

Mr Ookeditse pointed out that a significant portion of the ministry’s budget was spent on purchasing drugs to treat illnesses that could have been avoided with earlier intervention. 

He stated, ‘many health issues could be prevented if we invested more in preventative healthcare, which would stop patients from reaching a stage requiring specialised treatment.”

To ensure a better health future for the community, Mr Ookeditse urged DHMT management to reevaluate their planning and budgeting processes. 

He emphasised the importance of community education on adopting healthier lifestyles, suggesting that such initiatives could lead to longer lives free from non-communicable diseases. 

During a consultation with the ministry’s management, Mr Ookeditse revealed that considerable funds were currently allocated to dialysis treatments.   

He highlighted that these instances could often be prevented with healthier lifestyle choices and regular health screenings. 

“Focus on preventative measures so that funds spent on taking patients for specialised treatment could be used for other competing needs,” he said..

Additionally, Mr Ookeditse expressed the new government’s commitment to improving health care for all citizens, emphasising that these services should be accessible regardless of individuals’ backgrounds. He urged health facilities to foster a welcoming environment, ensuring that all Batswana receive care with compassion and professionalism.

He also reminded public officers of their duty to uphold human rights consistently.  

The new government, he noted, empowered the public to voice their opinions and expect quality service. Ends