The Botswana Doctors Union (BDU) has issued a statement denying reports of an impending strike, following a recent court ruling that declared their planned industrial action unlawful. The Industrial Court’s decision was based on a press release from the BDU calling for the suspension of emergency call duties from August 1, 2023. In response, BDU President Dr. Kefilwe Selema expressed disappointment with the government’s approach, suggesting that legal actions seemed more focused on suppressing doctors’ rights rather than addressing pressing issues within the public health system.
Despite the court’s ruling, the BDU affirmed its commitment to humanitarian principles and urged members to continue upholding these values. The union also acknowledged that the court’s decision did not resolve their concerns, indicating ongoing challenges within the country’s public health sector. This development highlights the ongoing tensions between healthcare professionals and the government regarding working conditions and compensation.
