19 Jan 2026

Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA) has issued a warning against the unregulated sale and use of herbal medicines, particularly those sold on the streets and through social media platforms.

 

In an interview with the authority’s public relations officer, Mr Israel Kgosidiile, said BoMRA acknowledged that some members of the public might resort to herbal or traditional remedies when conventional medicines were unavailable.

 

He stressed that such products must always meet standards of safety, quality and efficacy before being used.

 

“BoMRA recognises that limited access to conventional medicines may lead some patients to seek alternative options, including herbal remedies, however, reliance on unregulated products poses significant health risks and should not be viewed as a safe substitute for regulated medical treatment,” said Mr Kgosidiile.

 

He noted that herbal medicines, while often regarded as natural, were not automatically safe, adding that products imported into Botswana must be registered or authorised by BoMRA before they could be distributed or sold.

 

Mr Kgosidiile confirmed that BoMRA regulated herbal medicines under the Medicines and Related Substances Act of 2013 and its accompanying regulations of 2019.

 

He pointed out that the authority oversaw registration, licensing, product evaluation, labeling and post-market surveillance, adding that herbal products sold without authorisation were considered illegal.

 

“The sale of herbal medicines on the streets or through social media platforms without BoMRA authorisation is unlawful, medicines can only be sold through licensed and approved premises and by authorised persons,” he said.

 

Mr Kgosidiile therefore, said BoMRA expressed concern over the proliferation of herbal products advertised on platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, adding that many of those products, the authority warned, were of unknown origin, lacked proper labeling, and made unverified therapeutic claims.

 

“We strongly warn the public against purchasing medicines through social media, such products are often unsafe, counterfeit or contaminated. Members of the public should only obtain medicines from licensed pharmacies and authorised outlets,” Mr Kgosidiile warned.

 

He confirmed that the authority had put in place various enforcement measures to protect the public, including market surveillance, product sampling and the seizure of illegal items while sellers found in violation of the law might face closure of their premises, prosecution or other penalties.

 

While BoMRA’s main mandate is regulation, it works closely with the Ministry of Health and other partners to support medicine availability within the national health supply chain, reaffirming that patient safety remains a top priority.

 

“Natural does not mean safe, the public should only use medicines, whether herbal or conventional, that have been approved by BoMRA and obtained through legal channels,” said Mr Kgosidiile.

 

He therefore, encouraged the public to report any suspected illegal sales of medicines and to always seek professional medical advice before using any herbal or traditional remedies. ENDS