Govt spends billions on private healthcare as public hospitals collapse

Botswana’s public health system is buckling under financial strain as the government continues to funnel hundreds of millions of Pula to private healthcare providers, leaving public hospitals critically under-resourced. According to the Ombudsman’s report, the government spends an estimated P300 million annually outsourcing patients to private facilities, roughly P6 million per week.

Most referrals are for surgical cases, particularly neurosurgery, cardiothoracic, and general surgery. As of August 2025, the Ministry of Health admitted owing private health providers over P433 million in unpaid medical fees.