By Staff Writer
In a landmark address that signals a turning point for Botswana’s healthcare system, Minister of Health Dr. Stephen Modise has announced that the Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital (SKMTH) will rapidly transition into a fully-fledged public health institution by April 2026.
The announcement, made during a public address last night, outlines a bold strategy to “fix it together” and rescue the sector from the crisis that triggered a State of Public Health Emergency in August 2025.
SKMTH: From Private to Public
For years, the Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital has operated as a private entity, often out of reach for the average citizen despite being a government-owned asset. That era is ending.
“Government has taken a decision to rapidly transition Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital from a private entity to a fully-fledged public health institution,” Dr. Modise declared.
The transition commences immediately in a phased approach, with the hospital set to be fully operational as a public entity by April 1, 2026. This move is aligned with new government policy and funding frameworks designed to maximise the facility’s potential and ensure equitable access for all Batswana.
Above: The Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital is set to become a fully public institution by April 2026.
Immediate Relief for Princess Marina
To tackle the chronic overcrowding at Princess Marina Hospital, the Ministry has ordered the immediate relocation of major outpatient departments to SKMTH. This is not a future plan—it is “Immediate Action”.
The following clinics are being moved to SKMTH, effective immediately:
Adult Specialities: Cardiology, Nephrology, Dermatology, Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, Hepatology, Pulmonology, Infectious Diseases, Neurology, Endocrinology, Urology, Neurosurgery, Breast & Endocrine, and Vascular clinics.
Paediatric Specialities: Cardiology, Neurology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, and Infectious Diseases.
This massive logistical shift is expected to drastically reduce patient wait times and free up critical bed space at Princess Marina for emergencies.
Medicine Stocks Bounce Back
Perhaps the most tangible sign that the sector is “on the mend” is the dramatic recovery in medicine availability.
Following the declaration of a public health emergency in August 2025, when medicine availability had collapsed to a critical 17%, the government’s emergency interventions have driven a rapid recovery.
“By the end of January 2026, it has recovered to 60%, and is rising,” the Ministry confirmed.
