Africa-Press – Botswana. The launch of National Health Insurance (NHI) marks government’s commitment to reimagine and rebuild a health system that works for every Motswana.
Officiating at the event in Gaborone, Minister of Health, Dr Stephen Modise said health of the population was fundamental to national development. “No Motswana should be denied access to quality, dignified, affordable healthcare, regardless of income, location or social standing,” he said.
The NHI aims to provide all citizens and residents with a comprehensive package of healthcare services, including preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care.
Dr Modise explained that the NHI will pool resources from the government, employers, and individuals to create a sustainable and equitable health financing system.
“Through the NHI, we will achieve financial protection for all, strengthen regulations to safeguard the rights of Batswana, and foster collaboration with the private sector, development partners, and communities. We commit to accountability and transparency at every level of service delivery,” he added.
Dr Modise described the NHI as not just a policy decision, but a moral commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage that leaves no one behind.
“As a human rights-oriented government, we believe that health is not a privilege but a right. We will build a responsive system by listening, learning and continuously improving with a community foundation as our base,” he assured.
While acknowledging the challenges ahead in the NHI’s implementation, Dr Modise expressed optimism that the project was achievable due to government commitment.
He urged all stakeholders, including healthcare workers, policymakers, traditional leaders, and youth advocates to play an active role in realizing this vision.
“A resilient health system does more than treat diseases; it safeguards livelihoods, strengthens communities, and upholds the dignity of every citizen,” he said.
To facilitate the NHI’s rollout, Dr Modise announced the establishment of a dedicated project office at the ministry headquarters. He encouraged Batswana and stakeholders to submit feedback through the office.
The minister highlighted key issues to address, including funding models and health packages covered by the NHI. He reiterated that cosmetic surgeries would not be funded under the scheme.
Director of Health Services, Dr Oratile Mfokeng-Selei, provided insight into the current state of healthcare in Botswana, noting that the country’s universal health coverage index was 54 out of 100, below the global average of 67.
She emphasised that the NHI would help alleviate the limited services available in certain regions.
Dr Mfokeng-Selei also noted a mismatch between the production of healthcare professionals and the actual needs of the population, with a current distribution of 45 doctors and 353 nurses per 10 000 people.
As a member state of the United Nations, Botswana was committed to achieving universal health coverage by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the NHI is seen as a critical step in reaching that goal.
Offering support for the NHI, Mr Rondee Scherman, Deputy High Commissioner of South Africa to Botswana, praised Botswana’s inclusive approach to stakeholder engagement.
He emphasised the importance of consultations and communication to ensure public understanding and buy-in for the NHI.
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