Rehabilitation centre brings rays of hope

Source : Kutlwano

Author : Taboka Ngwako

Location : Gaborone

Event : Interview

The long-awaited Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre at Sekgoma Memorial Hospital in Serowe has started phased operations in November 2025.

In an interview, the Ministry of Health Chief Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dr Christopher Nyanga says the centre would work hand in hand with psychiatric hospitals, clinics and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

This, he notes, would be a part of the national referral system offering free in-patient and outpatient care, detox services, counselling, psychological and pharmacological treatment, as well as aftercare programmes. 

“We saw the urgent need for Botswana to have a dedicated facility for alcohol and substance use disorders, as previously, patients were only assisted at psychiatric hospitals and clinics,” Dr Nyanga says.

He further states that to date, around P48 million has been invested in the refurbishment of the centre and at full capacity, the facility would accommodate 50 patients, divided into 20 adult males, 10 adult females, and 20 spaces for children and youth under the age of 19.

“Treatment will be tailored for different groups, including adults, young people, and even vulnerable categories such as pregnant women,” Dr Nyanga explains.

 

He adds that families, friends and significant others would also benefit from counselling sessions, recognising the broader impact substance abuse has on households and communities. ENDS