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Dispute over drug dispensary heats up

Dispensary PIC:  MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Dispensary PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

The drug dispensary nightmare took a surprising twist when the Botswana Nurses Union (BONU) strongly opposed a recent directive from Dr Pamela Smith-Lawrence, the director of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, dated August 11, 2023.

The directive, which grants nurses and midwives the authority to dispense medication, has sparked controversy and raised concerns amongst patients and the public.

Central to BONU’s objection is the apparent lack of a clear legal foundation supporting the director's directive. BONU officials have pointed out the absence of specific enabling legislation that justifies granting nurses and midwives the responsibility of medication dispensation.

Editor's Comment
Rising abortion figures demand urgent action

Instead, they should serve as a warning to health authorities, community leaders, and policymakers that something is not right. According to the Palapye District Development Committee’s latest report, 130 abortion cases were recorded between April and June 2026.On the face of it, the overall figure may represent a decline from the preceding quarter. However, going deeper into the figures, the monthly trend tells a different and more worrying...

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