Health Ministry probes medicine crisis
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday January 26, 2026 06:00
The Minister of Health, Dr Stephen Modise, said this week that some drugs are already arriving in the country, although challenges remain within the distribution system. He noted that the crisis goes beyond simple procurement delays and involves operational failures that are still being investigated.
“Currently, some medicines are continuing to arrive,” Modise said on Wednesday when responding to concerns raised during a Botswana National Front (BNF) press conference.
“This issue is bigger than you think and that is why I do not have time to respond to people or some comments on Facebook.”
He explained that despite the arrival of medicines, there are instances where health officers fail to dispatch them to health facilities, a situation he described as deeply concerning.
According to the minister, the problem came to light after a Member of Parliament informed him that medicines had not reached hospitals, contrary to information he had previously provided indicating that they had already been dispatched.
“We have observed that officers do not dispatch medicines when they arrive, and one cannot get satisfactory answers to that,” he added.
Furthermore, Modise stressed that the shortage of medicines is not a simple administrative oversight but a systemic issue that requires careful assessment and long-term solutions.
As a result, he said the Ministry of Health has launched probes to determine what led to the current situation and to identify those responsible for the breakdown in the supply chain.
Moreover, Modise announced that some hospital wards will be temporarily relocated to Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital in an effort to reduce congestion at Princess Marina Hospital.
He said the move is intended to improve service delivery and ensure that patients receive timely medical attention while broader challenges within the health system are being addressed.
In addition, the minister addressed growing public calls for his resignation, stating that stepping down would not automatically resolve the crisis.
“If people think that if I resign medicines will be at hospitals, then I will gladly do so,” he said.
However, Modise maintained that his responsibility as a leader is to confront the problem directly and ensure that sustainable solutions are implemented.
Although the Minister of Health said he has not yet seen the Ombudsman report they welcome it and its recommendations.
“I will go through it when it reaches my office. Batswana are welcome to advise or make suggestions on health issues and our door is open,” he said.
Still on the matter, he said the money that is used to outsource services from private hospitals could be used to employ those specialist and/ or renovate some hospitals.
Currently, the Ombudsman’s report reveals that the Ministry owes private hospitals P12 million for outsourced services while Central Medical Stores (CMS) has a deficit of P4 million.
Meanwhile, BNF vice president Moeti Mohwasa acknowledged that the medicine shortage did not begin recently.
He highlighted that similar concerns had been raised years ago, including by former Minister of Health Shirley Tlou.
Nevertheless, he emphasised that dwelling on past administrations would not solve the current crisis.
“We cannot be stuck on the past; hence we are trying to resolve the matter,” added Mohwasa who is also the Minister for State President, Defence and Security.
As investigations continue, government leaders have assured the public that efforts are underway to stabilise medicine supplies, improve accountability within the distribution system and restore confidence in public healthcare services.