Ailing health ministry gets P10.5bn shot in the arm
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Sunday November 9, 2025 12:36
The centres are to be set up at Dibete and Nata, augmented by the completion of Moshupa Primary Hospital and Shakawe Primary Hospital staff housing projects.
Presenting the Ministry's budget before legislators, he said a total of P63 million has been budgeted for the procurement of ambulances and non-ambulances to deliver healthcare services to the community.
'We are committed to providing quality healthcare services to our citizens, and these new vehicles will go a long way in enhancing our emergency response capabilities,' Dr Modise said.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of digital transformation in the healthcare sector, highlighting the need to enhance health outcomes through the effective use of technology.
'Digital transformation of the health sector has become a priority in improving health outcomes.'
He also revealed that a total of P218 million has been allocated for the Health Computerisation programme, which aims to connect and integrate public and private platforms into a common exchange to support the sharing of critical information for healthcare services, record-keeping, and regulation.
According to Modise, the programme will also focus on implementing various systems.
They include the Quality Information Management System-Health (Electronic Medical Record), Digitalisation of Health Services, ICT Infrastructure Development, Logistics Management Information System (LIMS), Laboratory Information System (LIS), Picture Archiving Communication System, e-IDSR Development and Implementation, and Upgrading of Multi-media Studio.
In addition, Dr Modise announced plans to strengthen the Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BOMRA) by transforming it into a Food and Medicines Regulatory Authority.
Additionally, a total of P190 million has been allocated for the construction of BOMRA Headquarters and Staff Houses in Gaborone.
Dr Modise also highlighted the importance of establishing the Botswana Public Health Institute (BPHI) to strengthen national health security.
He said the Institute will provide leadership in coordinating efficient, effective emergency preparedness and response efforts. A total of P280 million has been proposed for the establishment of BPHI.
Other key initiatives include the transformation of the Central Medical Stores (CMS) into an autonomous management structure for institutional efficiency, and the implementation of HIV/AIDS and Health Programmes. He said a total of P882 million has been allocated for the implementation of these programmes during the plan period.
'I move that the Total Estimated Costs of Ten Billion, Five Hundred and Twenty-Five Million Pula (P10,525,000,000) be approved by Parliament and these allocations be part of the Twelfth National Development Plan (2025/2026 -2029/2030),' Dr Modise said.
The Minister's proposals are aimed at improving healthcare services in Botswana and addressing the challenges faced by the health sector.
With a focus on digital transformation, emergency medical services, and health security, the Ministry of Health is committed to providing quality healthcare services to the citizens of Botswana.