Africa-Press – Botswana. The Ministry of Health has intensified its efforts to engage citizens in shaping Botswana’s National Health Insurance (NHI) through a series of district and community-level consultations. These sessions are part of a broader plan to ensure the NHI reflects the needs of all Batswana while strengthening the national health system. By involving communities directly, the Ministry aims to design a model that balances accessibility, quality, and sustainability.
The consultations provide an early platform for citizens to contribute ideas on healthcare priorities, financing, and service delivery. Officials have emphasized that public input is critical for developing an NHI model that supports Universal Health Coverage, ensuring that every Motswana can access affordable, quality healthcare. The initiative represents a major step forward in reforming health financing and promoting equitable service access across urban and rural areas.
This week’s engagements included kgotla meetings, Full Council sessions, District and Urban Development Committees, and targeted health sector consultations. Districts visited so far include Charleshill, Ghanzi, Hukuntsi, Mabutsane, Boteti, Serowe, Mahalapye, Kweneng, Selibe, Francistown, North East, and Bobirwa. Each session allowed community members to discuss challenges, opportunities, and expectations regarding healthcare services and NHI implementation.
District leaders and Ministry representatives encouraged residents to share their experiences with the current health system. Discussions focused on access to medical facilities, affordability of care, and strategies for improving service delivery. Feedback collected during these consultations will directly inform policy design, ensuring that the NHI model aligns with local realities and addresses gaps in coverage.
The Ministry confirmed that remaining consultations will continue this week as teams reach the districts not yet covered. Officials stressed that the process is inclusive, transparent, and aimed at building consensus around a healthcare financing system that benefits all citizens. By engaging communities at this early stage, the Ministry seeks to foster ownership and trust in the NHI program.
Botswana’s commitment to extensive stakeholder consultation reflects the government’s broader health agenda. Through these efforts, the country aims to establish a sustainable, citizen-centered National Health Insurance scheme that improves access, reduces financial barriers, and strengthens the overall healthcare system.
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