‘Fake’ drugs: A matter of life, truth and accountability

Mmegi Editor | Monday March 2, 2026 10:32

When claims of such gravity are made, especially by a sitting Assistant Minister they cannot be brushed aside, delayed, or treated as routine political noise. Even the Ombudsman has confirmed receipt of a report from a political party and a review of these complaints is now underway. That is a necessary first step. But it is only the beginning. The seriousness of the allegations demands urgency, transparency and clarity. The public is entitled to ask: why are these claims surfacing now? If there was credible information, why was it not raised earlier through appropriate channels? And if this is newly discovered information, what immediate measures are in place to protect patients by the government?

Equally troubling is the silence from the Ministry of Health. In moments such as this, silence breeds suspicion. The Ministry owes Batswana reassurances that safeguards are functioning, procurement systems are sound, and patient welfare remains paramount. A simple, clear communication outlining what is known, what is being investigated, and what protections are in place would go a long way in calming public anxiety. There are two possibilities. If the allegations prove unfounded, then a reckless claim of this magnitude would carry serious political consequences for Ignatius Moswaane who raised the alarm. Raising alarm over children and patients allegedly receiving fake medication for political mileage would be an abuse of public trust. Such conduct would demand accountability, as it undermines confidence in critical health institutions and spreads fear amongst vulnerable citizens. On the other hand, if the allegations are substantiated, the implications are even more profound. It would expose a systemic failure within the Ministry of Health and possibly beyond. It would suggest that oversight mechanisms collapsed, procurement processes were compromised, and lives were gambled with in pursuit of profit or through gross negligence.

That would not merely be a scandal it would be a betrayal. Health cannot be compromised. It is non-negotiable. Even if a single child had been placed at risk because of counterfeit or substandard medicine, the nation deserves full disclosure and decisive corrective action. Those responsible, at any level, must be held accountable. The President himself would be compelled to act swiftly and firmly to restore integrity to the system. Batswana deserve answers. They deserve transparency. They deserve leadership that treats their lives with the seriousness they warrant. The Ombudsman must conduct a thorough, impartial and timely investigation. The findings must be made public. Anything less would deepen mistrust and erode confidence in public institutions. This is a defining moment. Whether it reveals irresponsible alarmism or a dangerous rot within the health system, the truth must come out. In matters of life and death, there can be no half measures. The nation is watching and waiting for answers.

“Leaders inspire accountability through their ability to accept responsibility before they place blame.”- Courtney Lynch