Medicines shortage set for relief
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday November 11, 2026 06:00
In a State of the Nation Address (SONA) address on Monday, he said significant deliveries are expected from next month as the government moves to stabilise the health supply chain. Boko added Botswana had made considerable progress through its bilateral partnerships, particularly the 10-year Government-to-Government agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is expected to strengthen the country's medicine supply. He revealed that 86% of medical supplies purchased by Botswana from the UAE had already been delivered, whilst 60% of the country's entire 2027 order is expected to arrive by the end of December 2026.
'I am happy to report that through our 10-year Government-to-Government partnership with the UAE, 86% of the medical supplies that Botswana bought from the UAE has been delivered, whilst 60% of our entire 2027 order will be delivered by the end of December 2026,' he said. Boko stated the deliveries would ensure that Botswana enters 2027 with a more secure supply of medicines, offering hope to patients who have endured shortages of essential drugs at public hospitals and clinics. Furthermore, he announced that government had secured a free supply of medical equipment through the same partnership, a development expected to improve diagnostic services and reduce waiting times for patients.
According to Boko, the equipment will begin arriving at various health facilities from next month, potentially easing pressure on hospitals that continue to grapple with limited diagnostic capacity. Meanwhile, he said government is pursuing local pharmaceutical production as part of broader efforts to reduce dependence on imported medicines. Through the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC), he said government is making a strategic investment of up to P85 million to acquire and revive a local pharmaceutical manufacturer, Botswana's only producer of beta-lactam antibiotics. In another development, the President highlighted that local manufacturer Portfolio Pharmaceuticals has produced its first batch of antiretroviral medicines.
However, he said the company is still working with the Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA) to complete the necessary regulatory processes before the medicines can be supplied for public use. In addition, he said government is digitalising the Central Medical Stores to improve the management, visibility and traceability of medicines throughout the supply chain. Boko said the initiative would help reduce wastage and stock-outs while strengthening controls against the diversion and theft of medicines. Beyond the health sector, the President also highlighted progress in securing the country's fuel supplies through international partnerships. He revealed that Botswana received its first-ever direct shipment of 20 million litres of fuel from Oman's refineries in October 2026, an achievement he said would strengthen security of supply and diversify the country's fuel sources.
Moreover, he said government is also exploring further strategic investments and partnerships, including opportunities linked to the Lobito Refinery in Angola. Meanwhile, Boko said government had finalised the National Health Insurance Policy, which Parliament approved in August 2026. Government is now working on the National Health Insurance Bill and the legislative framework required to operationalise the policy. He said the development marked an important step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage and ensuring that every Motswana has access to quality and affordable healthcare.