Bomaid delivers lifeline to Princess Marina’s breast unit
Botswana Medical Aid Society (Bomaid) has handed over a one-year supply of True-Cut biopsy needles and Portovac drains to the Breast and Endocrine Unit at Princess Marina Hospital.
The sponsorship comprises 480 True-Cut biopsy needles and 576 Portovac drains, with a combined value of more than P276,000.
The supplies will support the diagnosis of breast conditions and postoperative care for patients undergoing breast and endocrine surgical procedures.
The handover was attended by the Assistant Minister of Health, Lawrence Ookeditse, representatives of the Ministry of Health, Princess Marina Hospital management and staff, the Breast and Endocrine Unit, Bomaid’s Board and management, healthcare partners and members of the media.
Bomaid Board Chairperson, Dr Refeletswe Lebelonyane, officially handed over the supplies on behalf of the Fund, while Board Trustee Dr. Petronellah handed the Fund’s token of appreciation to the Assistant Minister and the hospital’s superintendent.
During the event, Dr Nkhabe Chinyepi of the Breast and Endocrine Unit explained that patients have, at times, had to purchase essential surgical consumables before receiving certain diagnostic or treatment services.
This placed an additional financial burden on patients and could delay care.
“No Motswana should have to choose between meeting the needs of their family and paying for a needle required to diagnose their cancer,” Dr Chinyepi said.
She noted that the availability of the True-Cut needles would allow clinicians to obtain tissue samples required for an accurate diagnosis of breast abnormalities and other conditions.
The Portovac drains are used following breast and endocrine surgical procedures to support recovery and reduce postoperative complications.
The sponsorship will also support the Unit’s teaching and research responsibilities.
A reliable supply of consumables will allow registrars and medical students to train in a consistent clinical environment while helping the Unit standardise its procedures, monitor patient outcomes and generate locally relevant clinical evidence.
Established in 2019, the Breast and Endocrine Unit was initially created to support the localisation of the University of Botswana’s Master of Medicine in General Surgery programme.
Its role has since expanded to include specialist clinical care, surgical training and research.
The Unit manages breast cancer and a range of other conditions, including thyroid, adrenal and parathyroid disorders, as well as soft-tissue sarcomas.
It works with Theatre, Pathology, Radiology and Oncology teams to provide multidisciplinary care.
Speaking at the handover, Minister Ookeditse said the contribution would equip frontline healthcare professionals with tools needed to diagnose, treat and care for patients more efficiently.
“Today’s occasion is more than the handover of medical supplies. It is a demonstration of partnership, shared responsibility and a common commitment to improving the quality of healthcare services available to the people of Botswana,” he said.
He encouraged Batswana to know their bodies, participate in available screening services and seek medical attention when they notice unusual changes.
Bomaid Chief Customer Experience Officer, Segolame Macheng, said the sponsorship followed discussions with the Unit about practical challenges affecting the delivery of care.
“The availability of these items can make a meaningful difference in a patient’s journey through diagnosis and treatment. In breast cancer care particularly, timely diagnosis remains critical,” she said.
Bomaid’s support for the Unit began in 2025 and has now developed into the provision of a full year’s supply of the two essential consumables.
The event was also supported by Bomaid’s Thrive with Bomaid App partners; Perfect Pour, and Nandos.
Dr Lelinah Weludo Ngwisanyi delivered breast health educational materials on behalf of Journey of Hope.
Some of the materials were shared during the handover, with the remainder to be distributed to patients visiting the clinic.
The materials provide patients and families with information on breast health, warning signs, screening and the importance of seeking medical attention early.
