Gaborone, Aug. 25 — Botswana’s President Duma Boko on Monday declared a public health emergency, citing the collapse of the country’s central medical supply chain that has left hospitals and clinics critically short of medicines and essential stock.
In a televised address, Boko said the military will oversee emergency distribution, with the first convoys of medical supplies departing Gaborone for remote districts by Monday evening.
“The medical supply chain as run by central medical stores has failed,” the president said. “This failure has led to a severe disruption to health supplies countrywide.”
Mounting Crisis
The Ministry of Health had issued warnings earlier this month that shortages were imminent due to financial constraints, forcing the postponement of all non-urgent surgeries. On August 4, the ministry revealed that it owed 1 billion pula to private health facilities and suppliers, compounding the crisis.
Medicines for a range of critical conditions — including hypertension, cancer, diabetes, tuberculosis, asthma, eye diseases, sexual and reproductive health, and mental health disorders — are reportedly running out. There are also acute shortages of basic supplies such as dressings and sutures.
Financial Strain and External Factors
To address the shortfall, the Ministry of Finance has approved 250 million pula ($17.35 million) in emergency funding for urgent procurement. However, Botswana’s fiscal position has been under strain this year, driven by a prolonged slump in the global diamond market, the backbone of its economy.
The situation has been further complicated by the withdrawal of US health-sector funding under the administration of President Donald Trump, though the government has not confirmed whether this has directly contributed to the shortages.
Boko also criticised inflated procurement prices and inefficient distribution networks, which he said had led to “loss, waste and damage.”
Looking Ahead
The government has yet to disclose how quickly the emergency measures will stabilize supply lines. A spokesperson for the administration did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
For now, the country’s healthcare system remains under severe pressure, with thousands of patients facing disruptions in life-saving treatment.
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