Africa-Press – Botswana. Government intends to deal with local pharmaceutical companies which had become a stumbling block in the distribution of drugs, says Vice President Slumber Tsogwane.
He told a kgotla meeting in Rakops recently that suppliers’ monopolistic tendencies were to blame for the current drug shortages being experienced in Botswana.
Their supply was selective hence the shortage of drugs in health facilities, said Mr Tsogwane.
He said government was waiting for the expiration of the companies’ licenses to deal with the issue.
The vice president assured his audience the drug shortage was temporary and that President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi was on a mission to attract investors to produce medicines locally.
Rakops residents heard that plans were afoot to produce cancer treatment drugs locally and that a manufacturing plant was already in place while doctors were undergoing training.
Mr Tsogwane revealed that over 300 000 tonnes of drugs worth over $15 million had been delivered and were distributed across the country.
He said that was to ensure all health facilities had sufficient drug supply. On other issues, the vice president spoke of plans to promote digitisation in health facilities through Tsogo jwame #go digital initiative.
A resident, Mr Marabi Jakopo complained about the under-performing Rakops Hospital generator. Regional health coordinator, Ms Gasebotho Kedikilwe acknowledged that the generator needed to be boarded.
She said the new theatre generator would be connected to the whole hospital as it had the capacity to sustain the pressure.
The district officer for development, Ms Patience Fanikiso said out of the 20 vehicles in Boteti West, seven, including four ambulances, were on the road.
She said four additional ambulances were needed to service the area adequately.
Acting deputy council secretary, Ms Ndidza Molatole informed the audience that the tender for construction of the Rakops rural administration centre had been advertised and would be closed this month.
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