23 Mar 2022

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has announced the receipt of some drugs and medications that have been in short supply countrywide.

In a media release, the ministry says this month, it has received under-five children vaccines of diphtheria-tetanus, pentavalent and measles and rubella.

Also received are some medications for chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, which are currently being distributed to health facilities across the country, it says. 

The release says the chronic medicines’ dispensing programme, which is implemented in partnership with  medical aid company, BPOMAS, has been successfully rolled out to six more areas being Molepolole, Lobatse, Mahalapye, Palapye, Serowe and Selebi-Phikwe. 

Rollout was expected to be extended to the seventh place, Maun, effective yesterday. 

“The roll out of this programme means that more Batswana will be able to access chronic illnesses medication in private pharmacies nearest to them,” explains the release.

The ministry says it is fully aware of what patients have been going through with regard to drug shortages and anticipates that the situation will keep improving as procured drugs and medications continue to arrive. 

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down global drug production as well as the supply chain logistical flow, the ministry is optimistic that with the measures it has put in place, the situation will gradually improve.

The ministry promises to keep Batswana informed as new developments emerge. BOPA