In a landmark ruling, the High Court of Botswana has directed the Ministry of Health to permit a group of nurses to travel to the Republic of China to pursue further studies. This decision comes after the Ministry attempted to block the nurses, who had been awarded scholarships by China, from boarding their flight citing shortage of nurses.

The nurses, determined to advance their professional qualifications, sought the intervention of the court after the Ministry’s last-minute decision left them stranded. The court ruled in favor of the nurses, allowing them to continue with their plans to study in China.

The nurses are now preparing to depart for China, (pending finalization of the application) where they will further their education, potentially bringing back enhanced skills to contribute to Botswana’s healthcare system.

The High Court Order states that; “An interim order is hereby issued interdicting and restraining 1-3^rd respondent (DPSM), Ministry of Health and Attorney General) its agents or any persons) acting under the instructions of the respondents from refusing to grant the applicants release letters for purposes of undertaking their educational studies in the Republic of China  or from implementing such a decision pending the institution and finalization of the review application to be filed within 3 days from the date of this order seeking to review and set aside 2^nd respondent’s decision. 

An interim order is hereby issued directing the respondents not to unreasonably interfere with the Applicants undertaking their educational studies in the Republic of China under the MOFCOM Scholarships. An order directing the respondents to issue or grant the applicants with the requisite release letters to proceed and undertake their studies at the Republic of China under the MOFCOM scholarships”