Government, Doctors’ Union clash over Emergency On-Call duties in Botswana

BOTSWANA—The Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM) in Botswana has expressed serious concerns regarding the recent position taken by the Botswana Doctors’ Union (BDU).

This comes after BDU urged public sector doctors to restrict their emergency on-call duties to only one per month.

The BDU issued press statements on April 3 and April 6, 2025, advocating for this measure, which has sparked significant debate.

DPSM Acting Chief Public Relations Officer Chandapiwa Maele clarified that emergency calls involve doctors attending to patients requiring urgent medical attention outside regular working hours.

According to DPSM, the BDU’s position could severely disrupt healthcare services by leaving patients in need of after-hours care unattended.

This situation poses a serious risk to public health and safety, as it compromises the availability of essential medical services.

The government has emphasized its commitment to supporting healthcare professionals while ensuring uninterrupted medical care for the public.

 In response to the issue, the DPSM, alongside the Ministries of Health and Local Government and Traditional Affairs, held discussions with BDU on April 9, 2025.

During these talks, the government proposed referring the matter to an established formal negotiation structure designed to address labor relations and service conditions.

However, BDU rejected this proposal and suggested an alternative negotiation framework.

The existing formal negotiation structure includes representatives from public service unions and the employer party.

It has been instrumental in resolving labor issues, including agreements on compensation for emergency call duties.

Currently, doctors receive an additional 15% of their basic salary for working on-call shifts—a rate that was negotiated through this structure.

DPSM has criticized BDU’s statements as potentially violating provisions of Botswana’s Trade Disputes Act [CAP. 48:02].

 Under this law, healthcare providers are classified as essential service workers and are prohibited from engaging in strikes or actions that disrupt services.

 DPSM also referenced an Industrial Court ruling from August 2023 that barred BDU members from withdrawing emergency services.

 The court reaffirmed that medical and dental practitioners are essential service providers.

The DPSM and relevant ministries have assured stakeholders and the public of their unwavering commitment to maintaining uninterrupted healthcare services across Botswana.

They continue to seek a resolution that balances the needs of healthcare professionals with the imperative of safeguarding public health.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and beyond. Also, follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.