Africa-Press – Botswana. The transition of primary health services from central government to local government in Kanye District involves the transfer of 371 employees, 17 health facilities, and 24 vehicles, including eight ambulances, as well as 27 staff houses that all require maintenance.
The transition also brought forth creation of another position for Deputy Council Secretary-Clinical Services alongside those of Corporate Services, Operations and Development.
Kanye District Council chairperson, Mr Morapedi Kgosithebe said when addressing participants during the welcome ceremony of the health staff in Kanye recently.
“The initiative comes with a budget of about P7.6 million and Kanye District Council will need to implement austerity measures to achieve more with the limited resource,” said Mr Kgosithebe.
He further added that, the financial situation was a call for the council to intensify collection from its sources of revenue, inclusive of consultation and other fees at the clinics to ensure drug availability.
Mr Kgosithebe further said there was need for proper allocation of resources especially council vehicles advising that official trips should be planned to cut costs.
The transition of primary health care services from the Ministry of Health to the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs is aimed at bringing services closer to the people by decentralising primary health care to local communities.
Southern DHMT Coordinator, Mr Conrad Ntsuape said he acknowledged concerns by the employees as they sought to understand the nature of their new environment.
He said the ceremony served to alleviate anxiety and confusion and noted that it was part of mental therapy, as change often necessitated effective change management.
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