In a nationally televised address, President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko declared that Botswana is now in a State of Public Health Emergency following the collapse of the Central Medical Stores system. The failure has severely disrupted the medical supply chain, creating shortages of essential drugs and medical supplies across the country.
The President outlined a four-step emergency response plan designed to stabilize the situation. First, emergency funds will be released immediately to support urgent procurement and distribution of medical supplies. Second, the government is establishing the P5 billion Health First Botswana Partnership Fund to strengthen health sector financing. Third, a National Task Force has been activated to restore and safeguard supply systems. Finally, the government will implement long-term reforms focusing on transparency, efficiency, and sustainability.
During his address, President Boko revealed that medical procurement prices had been inflated by as much as 10 times above fair market value. He vowed to root out inefficiency and corruption, promising a complete overhaul of procurement and supply processes.
The President also confirmed that trucks carrying life-saving medical supplies are already on the road, heading to the most remote areas of Botswana. He noted that reforms will prioritize automation of systems, real-time price monitoring, and investment in local manufacturing capacity to reduce reliance on imports.
In closing, President Boko reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting the health of citizens. He left the nation with a strong reminder of Botswana’s resilience: “Peace is strength, patience is strength, trust is strength.”
