Imagine a future where vital medicines are always within reach, no matter where you call home. That future is rapidly becoming a reality for Batswana, as the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Minister Stephen Modise, embarks on a groundbreaking mission to saturate the nation with highly skilled pharmacy professionals. This ambitious initiative, announced today, is set to revolutionise access to healthcare by deploying 167 new experts directly into communities previously underserved.
This isn’t just about filling prescriptions; it’s about closing the gap on health inequality. With a robust force of 93 pharmacy technicians and 74 pharmacists, the Ministry is dismantling barriers to quality, dignified healthcare. By the end of August 2025, these dedicated professionals will be embedded across the country, fundamentally transforming the landscape of medical care.
For too long, thousands of Batswana have faced arduous journeys, travelling great distances just to access essential pharmacy services. Remote areas like Nkoyaphiri, Sekoma, Borakalalo, Mmanoko, and Boribamo, among others, will soon welcome their own resident pharmacy teams. Furthermore, districts such as Boteti, Okavango, Ghanzi, Tsaoneng, and Hukuntsi are set to gain critical local expertise, ensuring that vital health support is no longer a distant dream.
This strategic expansion is a cornerstone of Botswana’s unwavering quest for Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a pledge to provide quality healthcare to every citizen, irrespective of their socio-economic standing. Minister Stephen Modise’s steadfast commitment has driven the Ministry’s resolute focus on ensuring every health facility has its own dedicated pharmacy professional and dispensary. This vision directly confronts the scarcity of health professionals and critical equipment that has long plagued public health facilities, marking a significant step forward under his guidance.
The deployment of these pharmacy professionals isn’t merely an administrative act; it’s an investment in the health and well-being of every Motswana. It promises a future where timely access to medicine is a right, not a privilege, bringing the dream of a truly healthy nation closer than ever before, all thanks to the Ministry’s action under Minister Stephen Modise. It’s a testament to the nation’s core values: Botho, Equity, Timeliness, Customer Focus, Teamwork, and Accountability.