The Botswana Nurses Union (BNU) has expressed its support for the recent decision to transfer primary health services from the Ministry of Health to the Ministry of Local Government. The move is aimed at optimizing service delivery across primary healthcare facilities in the country, ensuring more efficient and accessible health services for all citizens.
According to the Ministry of Health, the decision to reassign the responsibility of primary health services is intended to streamline operations, enhance management, and improve service delivery in local communities. By transferring these services to the Local Government Ministry, the government hopes to strengthen the coordination and accessibility of primary healthcare facilities across Botswana.
Vusa Phena, the Vice President of the Botswana Nurses Union, welcomed the change, highlighting the positive impact it will have on the workloads of healthcare workers, particularly midwives. “This transfer will significantly reduce the burden on our members, especially those working as midwives who often experience overwhelming workloads,” said Phena.
The union believes that by decentralizing primary healthcare services, the government is not only improving healthcare delivery but also providing better support and resources to healthcare professionals on the ground. This, in turn, will enhance the quality of care provided to the public and allow nurses and other healthcare staff to perform their roles more effectively.
With the shift to the Local Government Ministry, the BNU anticipates improvements in the overall functioning of primary healthcare services, ensuring that the needs of both healthcare workers and patients are better met. This move aligns with the ongoing efforts to strengthen Botswana’s healthcare system and make services more efficient, accessible, and sustainable for all citizens.
