Botswana has declared a national health emergency as hospitals and clinics nationwide struggle with severe shortages of essential medicines and medical supplies.
President Duma Boko made the announcement in a televised address on Monday, citing systemic failures in the country’s drug distribution network.
“The medical supply chain managed by central procurement services has failed,” President Boko said, acknowledging widespread disruptions and losses that have left health facilities unable to meet basic patient needs.
The declaration allows the deployment of the army to oversee emergency distribution operations, with convoys scheduled to reach remote areas starting immediately.
The crisis, worsening since early August, has forced the Ministry of Health to postpone all non-urgent surgeries and issue warnings of imminent depletion of stocks for critical treatments, including medications for hypertension, cancer, diabetes, tuberculosis, and mental health conditions. Shortages extend beyond drugs to basic medical consumables such as bandages and sutures.
To alleviate the emergency, the Ministry of Finance has approved a 250 million pula (US$18.4 million) package for emergency procurement.
President Boko attributed the crisis to inflated procurement prices, inefficiencies, and systemic failures that have resulted in significant waste and loss.
Health experts warn that prolonged shortages could have severe consequences for patients requiring continuous treatment, particularly those with chronic conditions.
Clinics in rural areas, already underserved, are expected to face the most acute difficulties.
President Boko emphasized the urgency of the response, stating that “the deployment of the army and emergency funding aims to stabilise the situation while reforms are implemented to prevent a recurrence.”
Authorities are now calling for coordinated efforts among government agencies, suppliers, and healthcare professionals to restore the supply chain and safeguard public health.
As the country grapples with this unprecedented crisis, citizens and medical professionals alike are urging swift action to ensure that critical healthcare services can continue uninterrupted while long-term solutions are developed to modernize Botswana’s pharmaceutical procurement and distribution systems.
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