President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko today visited Princess Marina Hospital to assess the state of healthcare service delivery in Botswana. He was accompanied by the Minister of Health, Dr Stephen Modise, and senior government officials. The visit formed part of Government’s hands-on approach to understanding challenges within public health institutions. The President focused on practical issues that directly affect patient outcomes. His engagement signaled urgency and accountability at the highest level of leadership.
During the inspection, President Boko reviewed patient welfare, the availability of essential medicines, hospital infrastructure, and the condition of critical medical equipment. He interacted with healthcare professionals to understand daily operational pressures. The President emphasized that quality healthcare depends on both skilled personnel and reliable systems. He stressed that delays in addressing systemic problems undermine public trust. He called for urgent and decisive action within the current year.
Several key challenges emerged during the visit. Overcrowding was identified as a major strain on service delivery. Limited diagnostic capacity was also highlighted as a barrier to timely and accurate treatment. Outdated medical machinery continues to slow clinical processes and referrals. These issues collectively place pressure on Princess Marina Hospital as a national referral center.
President Boko underscored the need to strengthen diagnostic services at other hospitals across the country. He noted that district and referral facilities must be upgraded to handle more complex cases. This approach would reduce congestion at Princess Marina Hospital. It would also allow the facility to focus on its core role as a specialized tertiary referral institution. The President stated that balanced investment across the health system is critical for long-term efficiency.
Matters requiring immediate intervention were addressed on site. The President committed to ensuring the procurement and delivery of priority equipment without delay. These include an MRI scanner, an additional CT scan, and a new X-ray machine. He noted that modern diagnostic tools are essential for early detection and effective treatment. Clear timelines were discussed with responsible officials.
The visit reaffirmed Government’s commitment to active engagement with healthcare institutions. President Boko emphasized that leadership must remain visible and responsive. He reiterated that gradual but sustained improvements are necessary to strengthen healthcare delivery. The administration aims to ensure accessible, efficient, and dignified healthcare for all Batswana. The hospital visit marked a decisive step toward turning policy commitments into measurable outcomes.
