Botswana has taken a crucial step towards universal health coverage after key stakeholders reviewed proposals for a National Health Insurance policy designed to guarantee every Motswana access to affordable, quality healthcare.
Health Minister Stephen Modise told participants at a national validation workshop in Gaborone at the weekend that the NHI is a central reform aimed at addressing persistent gaps in the health system, including long waiting times, limited resources and unequal access to services, particularly for citizens without medical aid.
Modise said the scheme will pool resources nationally to promote fairness through cross‑subsidisation and improve efficiency in service delivery.
He said the policy also seeks to strengthen infrastructure, support healthcare workers and ensure consistent availability of medicines.
The minister noted that the NHI will be compulsory but will allow private medical aid schemes to continue operating alongside it.
AP