SHORTAGE OF SURGEON HITS NGAMI DISTRICT.

Article By: Solomon Tjinyeka

The Ngami District Health Management Team has raised concerns over a critical shortage of specialist doctors in the North West District.

Head of the DHMT, Dr. Sandra Maripe, says Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital has been without an orthopedic surgeon for over three years, forcing patients to travel to Mahalapye, Francistown, or Gaborone for care.

She shared this during a kgotla meeting addressed by Maun West MP, Caterpillar Hikuama, highlighting how the shortage is causing long treatment delays.

The district also faces a general doctor shortage, with only six doctors serving the entire region—far below the needed number. Dr. Maripe says the DHMT continues to urge the Ministry of Health to send more doctors, especially a surgeon.