By: Thoboloko Ntšonyane

Maseru – The Chairperson of the parliament’s Social Cluster Hon Mokhothu Makhalanyane expressed grave concern following a site inspection revealing severe shortages of medicines at health facilities managed by the Maseru City Council (MCC), Khubetsoana Clinic.

This inspection of the Khubetsoana health center is part of a series of inspections currently being conducted by the Committee, which began last week.

The inspection is part of the government’s commitment to enhancing primary healthcare and ensuring universal health coverage for Basotho citizens.

During the inspection by committee members, who were accompanied by officials from the MCC and parliament support staff and the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) Country Focal person ‘Mammehela Matamane, it was discovered that there were no thermometers available, with only one thermometer in the storeroom where medications are kept.

The Chairperson emphasized the urgent need for intervention to address the medicines deficit, highlighting it as a critical barrier to delivering adequate healthcare services. The government has been urged to prioritise the supply of medicine to ensure that MCC facilities can effectively meet the healthcare needs of the local population.

The Nurse Technician at Khubetsoana Clinic, ‘Maphomolo Nkuatsana, informed the Committee that the MCC last procured medication supplies about two years ago.

Patients, especially young mothers, complained about the lack of heating at the facility. They also reported to the Committee that they often wait a long time before receiving services, causing them to arrive late for work as many visit the clinic before starting their jobs.

A nurse in the family planning unit mentioned that they are short-staffed and lack sufficient consultation rooms. She explained that they have to accommodate teenagers and mothers in the same room due to the limited space.

Committee Member Hon. ‘Mamokete Ntšekhe also expressed concern about the condition of the delivery room, describing the beds as “hazardous” for patients in labor. She noted that the room is cluttered with numerous items, further compromising its suitability for childbirth.

Makhalanyane stated that the team from the Ministry of Health will be engaged to address the lack of medical equipment. The Chairperson mentioned that this week, they will meet with the Ministry of Health to discuss progress reports and explore ways to assist the Khubetsoana and Upper Thamae clinics, which are owned by the MCC.

The Chairperson stated that streamlining the supply chain within the health sector is a key part of their vision.

He mentioned that Lesotho aims to become a leader in supply chain management, with countries such as Eswatini and Namibia expressing interest in benchmarking their systems against Lesotho’s. Additionally, Zambia is also considering benchmarking with Lesotho.

Makhalanyane explained that the vision includes having a dedicated supply chain body handle procurement instead of the Ministry. They are currently in discussions with the Ministry to ensure that a “ring-fenced” budget is established for procurement activities.

“As a government and parliament, we consider it essential that every health facility in the country meets the standards required for universal health coverage. Approximately M250 million has been allocated for this purpose. While it is not much, we need to supplement it and ensure accountability,” he said.

Moving forward, he mentioned that they plan to sit down with the MCC to transition the clinics under the Ministry of Health. This will allow the MCC to focus more effectively on its core mandate.

Asked about his impression of the Khubetsoana health facility, the Chairperson of the Social Cluster described it as “depressing,” noting the critical lack of medicines. He also expressed concerns about the challenges related to medical equipment at the facility. Urgently, he emphasized the need for the supply chain to address the medication shortages promptly. He mentioned a temporary arrangement for supplying medicines to the facility while a permanent solution is sought.

Regarding patient services, he stated, “Patients express satisfaction, noting they receive good service at this clinic and are attended to promptly.”