08 Dec 2024

The 13^th Parliament on Friday adopted by majority vote, its first motion which was tabled by legislator for Tswapong South, Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang.

Dr Gobotswang’s motion requested government to consider introducing universal health checks every two years to diagnose and treat illnesses before they could progress to advanced stages, resulting in prolonged hospitalisations and high medical costs.

Making an input on the motion before adoption, Francistown South legislator, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi indicated that government was also equally concerned by long periods that people had to wait before seeing specialists.

“The concern is that people’s health deteriorates during this waiting period. Adopting this motion will be an indication that we take health seriously,” he said.

Mr Mmolotsi, who is also the Minister of Environment and Tourism, said he was aware of the current arrangement for people to go for screenings every year.

“We have in the past indicated reservations that a one-year period was too long, so although good, I have a problem with this motion suggesting two years because that might be too late for some,” he said.

Mr Mmolotsi said with the advent of technology, people could screen as much as they needed especially that there were currently some gadgets for self-testing.

Appreciating fellow legislators for their support, Dr Gobotswang said it was a pity that the past administration seemed to prioritise other initiatives over health.

“An individual could be funded for a project of around P50 000, while the same government could fail to cover a life-threatening condition of just about P20 000,” he said.

He said he was, therefore, glad that even the ruling party supported his motion.

Dr Gobotswang emphasised the importance of early screening, indicating that late detection could be costly as some diseases like cancer could need expensive correctional procedures.

He also appreciated suggestions to capacitate health facilities, to ready them should the motion be implemented.

Dr Gobotswang also said that suggestions of embracing indigenous knowledge were welcome.

“Even the Pan African Parliament encourages usage of indigenous knowledge to the extent that they have enacted model laws to cater for such,” he said.

Dr Gobotswang said in appreciating that the motion might take a while to implement, outreach programmes could be used in the meantime. Ends