After hemp, gov’t turns to traditional medicine
Spira Tlhankane | Monday October 6, 2025 06:00
According to an insider, under the National Development Plan 12 draft, which will be considered by Parliament in a special meeting from October 13 to November 7, the government is convinced that Botswana’s traditional healthcare remains largely untapped, hindered by limited regulation, weak integration, and insufficient research investment.
It is said that even though Botswana excels in providing universal health access, the government has seen the need to improve health outcomes by integrating traditional medicine into its healthcare system, a process that includes drafting a traditional health practice bill, training practitioners, and collaborating with modern medical professionals.
According to the insider government is worried that the sector is lagging in readiness for new health products, addressing capacity, oversight, and market readiness, and challenges in a shifting health product landscape.
“Government is convinced that challenges in traditional healthcare have constrained its cultural relevance, patient safety, and economic potential. Yet, with proper integration, the government believes traditional medicine can enhance health outcomes, build trust, and stimulate innovation,” the source said.
The source added that through this initiative, traditional healing practices will be integrated with modern treatment protocols by establishing dedicated clinics within government hospitals, offering patients safe and credible alternative care options.
This initiative, according to the insider, aims to formally recognize traditional health practitioners, define their rights and responsibilities, and ensure the safety and efficacy of traditional remedies through intellectual property rights and scientific evaluation.
It is said that if the draft is approved by parliament, the government intends to draft a traditional health practice bill to provide a legal framework for traditional medicine. The initiative seeks to foster collaboration between traditional and modern healthcare practitioners. A significant effort is also underway to leverage intellectual property rights to protect and commercialize traditional medicine, enhancing its branding and value. Traditional medicine practitioners will be encouraged to work with modern doctors to allow for scientific evaluation and validation of their herbs to ensure safety.
The project aligns with the World Health Organisation’s calls for member states to collaborate with traditional health practitioners and develop national policies on traditional medicine. The move is aimed at diversifying the economy and creating new jobs as the government looks to the Health sector to drive systemic reforms, with its true North. The UDC’s True North for the health sector is to: “Transform Botswana’s health system to match the global Universal Health Coverage average by 2036 through stronger care, workforce, and digital innovation”.