Gaborone: Botswana has declared a public health emergency as hospitals and clinics nationwide face severe shortages of essential medicines and medical supplies. President Duma Gideon Boko announced the emergency following a collapse in the national medical supply chain, which has left healthcare facilities struggling to provide basic care.

The crisis stems from a combination of financial constraints, including the government’s outstanding debt of approximately 1 billion pula (around \$70 million) to private suppliers, inefficient procurement systems, and rising costs of medical products. Additionally, a downturn in the global diamond market has strained the national budget, while reductions in foreign aid have further weakened the health sector.

In response, President Boko ordered the military to oversee an emergency distribution of medicines, with the first shipments dispatched from the capital, Gaborone, to remote areas. The government has allocated 250 million pula (about \$17.35 million) for the immediate procurement of critical medical supplies.

The shortage has led to the suspension of non-urgent surgeries and a critical lack of medications for chronic conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, tuberculosis, cancer, and mental health disorders. Essential items such as dressings and sutures are also running low, affecting the overall capacity of the healthcare system.

Experts warn that the situation highlights long-standing systemic issues in Botswana’s healthcare infrastructure, including financial mismanagement and procurement inefficiencies. While emergency measures aim to address immediate needs, comprehensive reforms will be required to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience of the health sector.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are seeking international support to address both immediate shortages and underlying challenges within the healthcare system.