Africa-Press – Botswana. The proposed clause amendment in the Constitution Amendment Bill of 2024 seeking to enshrine the right to health is sufficient because it is inclusive of all health aspects.
This was said by Leader of the House, Mr Slumber Tsogwane on Thursday as he argued against the proposed amendment of clause two in the Bill by Bobonong Member of Parliament Mr Taolo Lucas.
Mr Lucas had proposed that clause three of the Bill which sought to ensure that every person had the right to health and access to medical care included the words, ‘highest attainable standards and mental health’.
However, Mr Tsogwane argued against the proposed amendment saying mental health was catered for as part of human health.
“The Constitution as the founding law, cannot afford to be detailed as it would end up being selective. The country’s health care system has gained international accolades, which shows its good side,” Mr Tsogwane said.
Tonota MP, Mr Pono Moatlhodi also stated that the country’s health care was advanced and international accolades were a testament to that.
“The submission by MP Lucas is irrelevant and unnecessary and I therefore do not support it,” Mr Moatlhodi said.
Another MP, Mr Karabo Gare of Moshupa/Manyana said what the proposed amendment sought to address was service delivery efficiency.
Mr Gare said while government acknowledged inefficiency in service delivery, such could not be addressed through legislation, let alone the Constitution.
He said government had through different ministries and departments come up with service standards and such interventions did not need legislation.
“Government’s commitment to the health care sector is unquestionable. The health sector’s budget is a testament as well as the number of referrals from government to private facilities,” he said. On the contrary, Sefhare-Ramokgonami legislator, Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang said the inclusion as proposed by the MP was necessary and catered for the needs of the future generations.
Dr Gobotswang said human health was not only limited to body pains but also included mental health. He added that Botswana was a signatory to international instruments which advocated for mental health while there was also a huge difference between public and private health sectors and therefore some commitment would help to narrow the gap.
Francistown South MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi said there would be no need to include the right to health in the Constitution if there was no commitment to offer highest attainable standards and mental health.
Mr Mmolotsi said if government was committed to offering quality health services, there would be no problem including the proposed amendments as they would guide the formulation of health policies.
He said the quality of health service offered to Batswana was unsatisfactory as some could take years to see specialists and surgical operations.
Subsequently, Parliament rejected the proposed amendment by the Bobonong MP. The Constitution Amendment Bill of 2024 is currently at committee stage for clause by clause interrogation by Members of Parliament.
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