BDF takes charge of life-saving medical supply procurement

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Wednesday August 27, 2025 16:58

When addressing the nation on the state of health on Monday, President Boko said the decision follows an approval by the Ministry of Finance of a virement request by the Ministry of Health to avail an amount of P250 million as emergency funds to facilitate the procurement of especially life-saving medical supplies.

Boko said the procurement is happening in two phases, with the BDF tasked to lead Phase 1, considered highly price sensitive.

'Phase 1 is the procurement of six to eight weeks' lifesaving medical supplies from qualifying local suppliers that have sufficient stock and pass quality standards. It is important to note that this procurement, which shall be led and overseen by the Botswana Defence Force, is highly price sensitive given our limited coffers and in line with fair and ethical pricing. As I address the nation in this moment, procurement is happening and the first trucks loaded will leave Gaborone at 7pm tonight (Monday) to start their journey towards the furthest ends of our country,' Boko said.

Boko indicated that Phase 2 is sourcing from suitable global aggregators and directly from manufacturers as a way to reduce cost.

'This second Phase shall commence on Wednesday the 27th, when we have ensured that all facilities have started receiving medical supplies,' he said.

Meanwhile, the president said he has appointed a National Task Force of experts, which shall immediately address the availability of supplies across all national distribution centres across the country. He stated that the task force shall, thereafter, make recommendations for radical, world-class solutions to ensure that Botswana never finds herself in this position again.

'This National Task Force has already begun work. It commenced work on August 22, on a 24-hour shift, to speed up preparatory work...,' he said.

The task force comprises of Head of the BDF Logistics Command, Brigadier Thomas Masunga, the Presidential Advisor on Projects, Omphile Sehurutshe, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Professor Oatlhokwa Nkomazana, the BDC Caretaker Managing Director, Oteng Keabetswe, and Head of the Botswana Baylor Institute, Professor Mogomotsi Matshaba.

The President explained that the Task Force shall incorporate additional resources from government and or the private sector as may be required from time to time, and I implore all parties to heed the call when required. 'The Task Force shall report to a National Steering Committee that will be empowered to make all decisions on the work at hand. The NSC shall be constituted by the Minister of Health, Dr. Stephen Modise, Minister for State President Moeti Mohwasa, Permanent Secretary to the President Emma Peloetetse, BDF Commander Placid Segokgo,' he added.