Botswana’s government has raised concern as doctors in public hospitals threaten to withdraw emergency service calls, potentially impacting life-saving healthcare.
In press statements on April 3 and 6, the Botswana Doctors Union (BDU) urged its members to attend only one emergency call per month. Emergency calls involve medical duties after regular hours for patients in critical need.
Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM) spokesperson Chandapiwa Maele warned that this position compromises healthcare provision, endangering lives.
“The government is deeply concerned about this position and remains committed to assisting healthcare professionals to guarantee that they can keep delivering medical care to the public beyond regular working hours,” Maele said in a statement.
She said DPSM and the ministries of Health and Local Government and Traditional Affairs had met with BDU representatives on Tuesday in an effort to resolve the dispute.
The official said the government had proposed during the meeting that the matter be referred to a formal negotiation structure with a view to reach an amicable solution, “which BDU refused and rather proposed a wholly different structure.”
Maele also reminded BDU of the August 2023 Industrial Court ruling prohibiting industrial action by essential healthcare providers, including the withdrawal of emergency services.
The ruling underscored doctors’ classification as essential workers under Botswana’s Trade Disputes Act.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring continued healthcare services and urged constructive dialogue to reach an amicable resolution, assuring the public of uninterrupted medical care.
JN/APA