19 Aug 2026

Parliament on Tuesday debated a motion to adopt the National Health Insurance Policy of 2026, with MPs across party lines welcoming it as a move to guarantee quality healthcare for every Motswana regardless of income.

Moving the motion, Minister of Health Dr Stephen Modise said the policy is designed to close gaps left by the current system where rising costs have left many citizens vulnerable.

Supporting the motion, Minister of Communications and Innovation and MP for Mahalapye West, Mr David Tshere, described the proposal as revolutionary. 

He said healthcare costs had climbed sharply over the last 20 years, leaving some Batswana bankrupt and others owing private hospitals despite having medical aid.  “The medical aid industry has failed Batswana, as it does not guarantee that they will access quality health services. With the adoption of this policy, government is answering a very serious and fundamental problem of giving health to every Motswana,” Mr Tshere told Parliament.

He compared the plan to‘Obama Care’ in the United States, which aimed to make insurance more affordable and protect consumers from unfair practices.  

“This is a shift on how things had been done here because we have realised that the majority of the people had been left behind,” he added. Other MPs highlighted equity and access as key benefits.

MP for Letlhakeng, Brigadier Domcaza Mokgwathi, said the policy was critical for transforming the healthcare system.  “Equity in healthcare services ensures fair access to medical treatment and health resources for all people regardless of income or background,” he said, and urged government to fast-track implementation.

Shoshong MP, Mr Moneedi Bagaisamang said the policy aligned with the Umbrella for Democratic Change manifesto that every citizen should have medical aid. “This policy aims to strengthen primary healthcare and we believe that every citizen irrespective of his or her location will benefit,” he said.

Minister of Sport and Arts and MP for Takatokwane, Mr Jacob Kelebeng, cited cost pressures. He noted that only about 17 per cent of people in the formal sector were on medical aid and just 5 per cent in the informal sector, meaning over 80 per cent rely on government for primary care.  “With this policy, it will ensure universal health coverage for all,” he said.

MP for Ngami, Mr Philemon Aaron, backed the policy but asked when implementation would begin, noting communities in hard-to-reach areas were struggling. 

 He also questioned funding sources given the current financial climate. Assistant Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education and MP for Tati West, Mr Justin Hunyepa, said the policy would improve access to pharmaceutical services and help reduce the urban-rural healthcare divide through investment in facilities “thus bringing services closer to the people.” 

Kgatleng East MP Mr Mabuse Pule cautioned that the proposal was not very different from the current primary healthcare model, where patients pay P5 and government subsidises the rest. The main difference, he said, was ‘who pays.’

 He also asked whether government would cover specialised treatment outside the country. ENDS