- Residents complain of filthy and dehumanising toilets in clinics
Among the litany of concerns by members of the public about the state of the country’s health system which include among others shortage of medical personnel and medication, health facilities are said to be in unhygienic state.
Clean and operational toilets in many government health facilities especially clinics around Maun and indeed across the country are said to be a rarity as they are not only poorly maintained but also actively hazardous to users mostly patients due to their state. For the already sick members of the public, using the said toilets can be a dehumanising experience.
This was a major complaint raised by residents during a Kgotla meeting addressed by the Assistant Minister of Health Lawrence Ookeditse at Boseja Ward recently.
When giving an update on the community developments and concerns, Boseja North Village Development Committee (VDC) chairperson Kegomoditswe Ndulamo decried that the condition of clinics in the area is unpleasant adding that the toilets are ever dirty and never maintained.
Ndulamo further mentioned that some clinics like those in Boseja and Magotho have toilets that are in a very bad state, forcing people to relieve themselves in the open as they cannot stand the unbearable state. She lamented that the facilities are infectious and lack basic supplies like soap, sanitizers, or even toilet papers.
Meanwhile, the chairperson also complained that the Maun General Clinic remains not fully functional, adding the status quo has been going on for some time. This she said has caused overcrowding of people in other clinics.
Another resident, Resego Setungambili concurred that visiting toilets in clinics is such a traumatic experience as they have human waste all over the seats. “Some toilets do not even have proper doors, handles or taps making it unbearable to use. This lack of hygiene is not just inconvenient but also a harsh reminder of the health hazard.”
She further complained, “imagine waiting in a long queue only to be faced with a dirty toilet yet you are unwell at the same time,” she added.
In his response, the assistant minister Ookeditse noted that the situation of dirty and unhealthy toilets in primary health facilities is an issue affecting the whole country. “Many clinics and hospitals are experiencing the same dehumanising experience in toilets.”
Ookeditse however assured that transfer of primary healthcare functions from the Ministry of Health to the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs is expected to bring a positive change. He stated that the transition means that health services will be easily accessible and improved.
He further said that they are working hard to improve such situations that highly concern the public. “With time there will be a solution on how to better the matter at hand,” he said.
