GABORONE — Botswana is stepping up efforts to resolve persistent shortages of essential medicines after the Ministry of Health faced questions over the availability and distribution of critical drugs.

Health officials told Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee that supplies of important medicines, including treatments for diabetes and high blood pressure, were expected to become available nationwide within two weeks. Officials attributed some delays to registration and regulatory processes involving the Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority.

The government’s response highlights the continuing pressure on Botswana’s medicine supply chain and public healthcare system. Authorities are working to improve procurement and distribution while addressing wider concerns over shortages of healthcare workers and medical specialists.

The Health Ministry has also said it is procuring essential medicines in bulk through international suppliers and other procurement arrangements to stabilise supplies.

Healthcare experts say reliable access to essential medicines is critical for patients managing chronic conditions and for maintaining public confidence in the healthcare system.

The latest supply measures could provide relief to patients and health facilities as Botswana works to strengthen medicine availability nationwide.