Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko on Monday announced a sweeping initiative to revitalize Botswana’s strained public health system, unveiling a multibillion-pula fund and declaring a state of public health emergency to fast-track solutions.
The Health First Botswana Partnership, a public-private initiative, will mobilize P5 billion (about $375 million) to strengthen the country’s healthcare delivery, with the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) committing P100 million (about $7.5 million) as seed capital.
The initiative aims to address shortages in essential medicines, medical equipment and other critical health supplies.
Boko, speaking in Gaborone, said the emergency declaration enables the government to act decisively in response to mounting health challenges.
Under the authority of Section 17 of the Constitution, he also set aside provisions in the Retirement Fund Act to facilitate the creation of the partnership.
According to the presidency, the fund will allow for “strategic procurement of health care supplies to adequately support the public health system’s needs.”
It also seeks to align procurement with the Ministry of Health’s delivery plans, ensuring timely access to medicines, hospital machinery, consumables and spare parts.
The government plans to raise the remainder of the fund through contributions from private corporations, pension funds and medical aid providers, indicating a strong public-private collaboration in addressing the crisis.
On Monday evening, the first consignments of life-saving medicines were dispatched from Gaborone to districts across the country.
Boko urged citizens to unite in restoring health and dignity for every Motswana.
GABORONE, Botswana – Bantu Gazette
