07 Feb 2024

 The proposed recurrent budget for the Ministry of Health stands at P9.46 billion and will enable the ministry to provide sustainable preventative, curative and rehabilitative health services to the nation.

In her 2024 budget speech on Monday, the Minister of Finance Ms Peggy Serame said the budget represented a decline of P850 million or 9.0 per cent due to a reduction in the COVID-19 budget allocation and the once-off payment for salaries in respect of the Multiple Graded C-band positions.

“The proposed budget will target interventions post COVID-19, that will reduce the possibility of new infections or resurgence,” Minister Serame said.

She said the funds would also be used to pay for the acquisition of vaccines and medicines and cater for the payments of ARV drugs, laboratory supplies and equipment, medical and surgical equipment, as well as contribution to the Public Officers' Medical Aid Scheme. 

The budget will cover fees for medical specialists, and the restructuring of District Health Management Teams (DHMTs) and operationalisation of Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital to full capacity, she said. Regarding the finance ministry budget, Ms Serame proposed P2.94 billion as recurrent budget and the amount has increased by P380 million. 

The major budget items are Tertiary Education Fees and transfers to parastatals under her ministry.

She noted that the provision also covered the continuation of Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) activities, engagement and promotional activities by the ministry to enhance Botswana’s presence and visibility in the African continent and worldwide, she said.

The proposed budget would also cater for the establishment of a centre at the University of Botswana for combatting illicit financial flows to maintain the country’s good standing. 

The minister highlighted that, the provision for operationalising the Public Procurement Tribunal to full capacity, was also included in this budget.

“The proposed budget allocation will also cater for the Weather Based Crop Insurance premiums, to support the Temo-Letlotlo programme. 

The insurance, which is a transition from the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme, will cover the proposed lending components of the programme,” she said. 

The lending component is administered by the National Development Bank (NDB) which started in the 2023/2024 ploughing season, while the insurance component will be transferred to the private sector during the next financial year. Ends