Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Professor Oatlhokwa Nkomazana, has praised the recently concluded Boitekanelo College Health Budget Review, describing it as a vital initiative that enhances strategic planning and decision-making in Botswana’s health sector.
The high-level event, which was held at Boitekanelo College, convened an array of health professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders to dissect budgetary allocations, assess funding priorities and explore innovative solutions to the sector’s financial challenges. Speaking after the review, Professor Nkomazana stressed the importance of such engagements, emphasizing that “while they take place after the national budget is passed, they provide critical insights that can influence policy direction, resource allocation, and long-term health strategies”. “This platform is essential for fostering dialogue, sharing experiences, and refining approaches to healthcare delivery,” she stated.
“By listening to the concerns and recommendations of professionals on the ground, we can build a more efficient and responsive healthcare system.” Professor Nkomazana further stressed the necessity of sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors. The Permanent Secretary noted that “private sector-led initiatives like the Boitekanelo College Budget Review play a crucial role in complementing government efforts to strengthen service delivery and improve healthcare outcomes”.
With the healthcare landscape evolving rapidly, Professor Nkomazana called for more of these progressive forums, advocating for data-driven planning and evidence-based policymaking to address the country’s pressing healthcare needs. A banker who participated in the discussions also emphasized the importance of strong public-private partnerships in health financing, stating that sustainable healthcare funding requires collaboration amongst financial institutions, government, and private sector players. The banker highlighted that innovative funding models and strategic investments could help bridge financial gaps and ensure the resilience of Botswana’s healthcare system. Other attendees stressed the need to promote and leverage technological advancements in healthcare, citing digital health solutions, telemedicine, and data analytics as game changers in improving efficiency and accessibility.
They highlighted that technology-driven innovations could help streamline service delivery, enhance patient care, and optimise resource utilisation—ensuring that Botswana’s healthcare system keeps pace with global trends. Boitekanelo has been convening the health budget review since 2022 with an aim to provide a platform to assess healthcare budget allocations to enhance strategic planning and efficiency. The platform also promotes the adoption of digital health solutions and telemedicine to optimise healthcare accessibility further addressing financial and operational challenges, and emphasizing transparency and accountability in budget planning. Ultimately, the review aims to influence policy direction and ensure a well-funded, efficient, and technologically advanced healthcare system in Botswana.
