The Botswana Medical Aid Society (Bomaid) has this week handed over a one-year supply of True-Cut biopsy needles and Portovac drains to the Breast and Endocrine Unit at Princess Marina Hospital.
The donation comprises 480 True-Cut biopsy needles and 576 Portovac drains, with a combined value of more than P276, 000. The supplies will support the diagnosis of breast conditions and postoperative care for patients undergoing breast and endocrine surgical procedures.
Speaking during the event, the Assistant Minister of Health, Lawrence Ookeditse said that handover of medical supplies is a demonstration of partnership, shared responsibility and a common commitment to improving the quality of healthcare services available to the people of Botswana.
“While these may appear to be ordinary medical consumables, they play a very significant role. For a woman presenting with a suspicious breast lump, that biopsy needle is more than just a piece of equipment; it is the key to unlocking a diagnosis and starting her on a path toward certainty,” he said.
Ookeditse noted that for the patient undergoing surgery, the Portovac drain is a crucial component of post-operative care, supporting her recovery and return to health while a True-Cut biopsy needle supports clinicians to obtain tissue samples needed to establish an accurate diagnosis for patients presenting with suspicious breast lumps and other conditions. He said that through the donation frontline professionals will be equipped with the tools they need to diagnose, treat, and care for patients with efficiency and dignity.
“Botswana like other countries is experiencing an increase in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like cancers including breast cancer. My ministry continues to raise awareness against this scourge through health education and the promotion of healthy lifestyles, community and stakeholder engagement. We encourage Batswana to know their bodies, to seek appropriate screening services, to recognise unusual changes in their bodies and to seek medical attention immediately,” he said.
In her remarks, Bomaid Chief Customer Experience Officer, Segolame Macheng, said the sponsorship followed discussions with the Unit about practical challenges affecting the delivery of care.
“The availability of these items can make a meaningful difference in a patient’s journey through diagnosis and treatment. In breast cancer care particularly, timely diagnosis remains critical,” she said.
Dr Nkhabe Chinyepi of the Princess Marina Hospital Breast and Endocrine Unit explained that patients have, at times, had to purchase essential surgical consumables before receiving certain diagnostic or treatment services. This placed an additional financial burden on patients and could delay care.
“No Motswana should have to choose between meeting the needs of their family and paying for a needle required to diagnose their cancer,” Dr Chinyepi said.
She noted that the availability of the True – Cut needles would allow clinicians to obtain tissue samples required for an accurate diagnosis of breast abnormalities and other conditions. The Portovac drains are used following breast and endocrine surgical procedures to support recovery and reduce postoperative complications.
