Botswana’s public spending on health was 3.1 per cent of GDP in 2010, equivalent to US$432 per capita. In the most recent survey conducted between 1997 and 2010, there were 34 doctors, and 284 nurses and midwives per 100,000 people.
Additionally, in the period 2007-12, 95 per cent of births were attended by qualified health staff and in 2012, 94 per cent of oneyear olds were immunised with one dose of measles. In 2011, 97 per cent of the country’s population was using an improved drinking water source and 64 per cent had access to adequate sanitation facilities. The most recent survey, conducted in the period 2000-10, reports that Botswana has 19 pharmaceutical personnel per 100,000 people.
Botswana has three referral hospitals (in Gaborone, Francistown and Lobatse), seven district hospitals, around 16 primary hospitals and more than 250 health clinics, which are involved in the implementation of AIDS control and prevention programmes.
Botswana’s small pharmaceutical industry produces some basic pharmaceutical products, as well as producing and repackaging vaccines. The distribution subsector of the industry is involved in importing, wholesaling and retailing activities.
The most recent act relating to mental health in Botswana is the Mental Health Act 1997, and mental health receives specific mention in general health policy. The 2003 mental health policy is the most recent addition to mental health laws. There are 0.9 mental health outpatient facilities and five psychiatric beds in general hospitals per 100,000 people.
