Nurse Shortage Hits Weekend Services

Staff shortages are raising concerns about Botswana’s ability to provide consistent healthcare, especially in rural areas where facilities are already understaffed and under-resourced The Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs has acknowledged that Botswana’s shortage of nurses and midwives has become a crisis, disrupting primary healthcare services on weekends. In response to Shashe West Member of Parliament, Justin Frenzel’s concerns over the severe staffing gaps, the Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa confirmed that the ministry is aware of the staffing crisis, particularly in remote and hard to reach areas. The minister explained that the shortage of nurses and midwives has forced some health facilities to scale down their operations, with certain clinics only able to provide full services during weekdays due to limited personnel.

“The Ministry acknowledges the acute shortage of nurses and midwives across our health facilities, especially in hard-to-reach areas,” Motshegwa told Parliament, adding that the situation continues to place pressure on the country’s primary healthcare system. The Ministry is also exploring long-term measures to address the shortage, including rationalising nurse specialists such as midwives and expanding training opportunities through collaboration with development partners and other stakeholders.