Publications

Yesterday (22 July 2026), the Ministry of Health appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to account for its 2022/2023 financial performance and provide an update on the state of the health sector. The Committee raised concerns over the persistent shortage of essential medicines and delays in their distribution. Members also questioned the high value of expired and counterfeit medicines, as well as the continued shortage of healthcare workers and medical specialists. The Committee urged the Ministry to outline measures in place to address these challenges. The Committee also examined the Ministry's financial management, highlighting salary overpayments and budget over expenditure outlined in the Auditor General's report. Responding to the concerns, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Dr Tshepo Machacha explained that delays in the distribution of some medicines were largely attributable to registration and regulatory processes administered by the Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA). The Ministry assured the Committee that supplies of critical medicines including those used to treat diabetes and high blood pressure, would be available nationwide within the next two weeks.