Farouk Ismail donates medicines to Princess Marina Hospital
Sharon Mathala | Tuesday March 17, 2026 08:59
The donation, handed over yesterday morning, comes at a time when hospitals across the country have reported limited stocks of critical medicines, raising concern amongst patients.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Ismail said the contribution was a personal initiative made in response to reports that patients were struggling to access medication in some health facilities.
“Having realised where we are as a nation and what we are currently facing, I took it upon myself to donate because I had heard stories that patients are struggling to get medication. As a concerned citizen, it really bothered me,” he said.
Ismail explained that the donation was not made on behalf of any of his companies but was a personal contribution, influenced by the spirit of giving associated with the holy month of Ramadan. The medicines donated include antiretroviral drugs, antibiotics, and amoxicillin, amongst others. Hospital officials said the items would help address some of the immediate needs at the facility. Ismail also revealed that the donation follows another contribution he made last week, in which he gave P20,000 in cash to support the hospital.
He further indicated that more assistance is expected in the coming days, saying his son, Faizel Ismail, will donate hospital beds to the facility next week.
Hospital management welcomed the support, noting that health facilities are currently experiencing significant pressure due to shortages of medicines and other supplies. Princess Marina Hospital deputy superintendent said the situation requires collective effort from individuals, organisations and the wider community. “The nation is having a big problem with medication shortages. It calls for the whole country to participate in trying to help the situation,” he said. According to hospital officials, the donated medicines cover several treatment areas, including drugs used to manage high blood pressure, infections, and asthma.
Amongst the medicines received was Methyldopa, a drug commonly used to treat high blood pressure, particularly amongst pregnant women. Officials said the medication would be useful in the hospital’s obstetrics department.
The donation also included pain medication and antibiotics used to treat infections, which hospital staff said are amongst the medicines most frequently required in the hospital.
Hospital officials further revealed that the shortages being experienced extend beyond medicines to basic medical supplies.
The deputy superintendent said the hospital had been struggling to source some essential items, including shoe covers used in clinical areas to maintain hygiene standards.
“I was happy to see a box of shoe covers in the donation. This morning, I was asked where the shoe covers were, so at least that question has now been answered,” he said.
Princess Marina Hospital is one of Botswana’s main referral hospitals, serving patients from across the country. Health officials say support from individuals and the private sector could help ease pressure on facilities whilst government works to address the wider supply challenges affecting the public health system.