Botswana’s Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, has acknowledged the ongoing shortage of medicines and consumables in healthcare facilities, including those in rural areas. In response to a parliamentary question, Minister Motshegwa noted that the President’s State-of-the-Nation Address indicated a significant increase in medicine supply is expected in the coming weeks.
The Central Medical Stores is responsible for bulk procurement and distribution, while the ministry focuses on re-distribution and rationalization of medicines within local authorities. Minister Motshegwa emphasized the importance of timely ordering and tracking of supplies. Regarding healthcare worker retention in hard-to-reach areas, the existing Remote Area Service Allowance and free accommodation are in place to motivate and retain public officers. However, the ministry recognizes the need to develop specific deployment plans considering the unique challenges faced by certain districts.
The integration of digital health solutions is a key priority, aligning with the health sector’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2036. Various systems, such as the Patient Information Management System and District Health Information System 2, are currently in use, although not yet interfaced for data sharing. Progress on connectivity includes 223 clinics connected through the village connectivity programme, with 60 more targeted in the current phase. By the end of the financial year, 283 clinics are expected to be online.
Minister Motshegwa also highlighted the development of integrated systems, including Electronic Medical Records and the Clinic Information Management System, which will ensure access to specialist care and link to the Botswana Health Information Exchange. These efforts aim to address the urban-rural divide in access to healthcare, a concern raised by Boteti West MP Sam Digwa. The ministry’s initiatives to improve rural healthcare are crucial, given the persistent challenges faced by these communities. As the government works to implement these plans, the expected increase in medicine supply and expansion of digital health solutions may help bridge the gap in healthcare access.