With State of Emergency, Still … No medicines!

*Minister Modise blames bureaucracy, payment delays and global disruptions as key setbacks

* Says the situation will be resolved by end of the year

* Medicine availability stands at 36%

* ARVs shortage situation is now stabilising

BY KITSO RAMONO

editors@thepatriot.co.bw

Two months after the government declared a State of Public Health Emergency to stabilise the country’s medicine supply, public hospitals and clinics across Botswana are still grappling with shortages of essential drugs and medical commodities.

Health Minister Dr. Stephen Modise this week admitted that several challenges have continued to undermine the emergency response, delaying the delivery of critical medicines and frustrating the public’s expectations of a quick recovery.