“That in realising the dire state of availability of medicines in the country and the challenges with sourcing, towards the end of last year, my Ministry made an appeal to our foreign missions through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist with identifying and connecting us with manufacturing companies that could provide us with medicines,” Dikoloti told the media today at then Central Medical Stores (CMS).
He said it is through the initiative that one company from India, MedWise was identified, and it managed to successfully register 18 products with Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA).
This would possibly lead to an improvement in the shortage of medicines.
Dikoloti said the products were ordered in October 2022 to be manufactured for Botswana at a cost of USD 923, 610. 00.
“A part of this consignment will be air-freighted this week and received by the end of January 2023. The rest will come by sea in the next 6-8 weeks. This consignment comprises a variety of products including antibiotics, painkillers and diabetic medicines,” he said.
Dikolo further said the United Nations Office for Projects (UNOPS) supports the Ministry in sourcing Tuberculosis medicines. For instance, between September and November, a consignment worth USD 28 890.02 was received through the arrangement.
In addition, he said another consignment worth USD 38849.76 is already at the airport for clearance.
