Botswana's healthcare system faces distinct medicinal challenges that affect patient outcomes and system efficiency. A comprehensive synthesis is needed to map the scope and nature of these issues. This scoping review aimed to systematically map and synthesise available literature on medicinal challenges in Botswana. Its objectives were to identify key thematic areas, gaps in knowledge, and the types of evidence available to inform policy and future research. The review followed Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. A systematic search was conducted across multiple electronic databases and grey literature sources. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts against pre-defined inclusion criteria. Data from included sources were charted and analysed thematically. The search yielded a heterogeneous body of literature. A prominent theme was persistent medicine stock-outs at primary care level, frequently reported as a critical barrier to chronic disease management. Other key areas included antimicrobial resistance, access to specialised medicines, and the integration of traditional medicine with allopathic practice. The evidence reveals a multifaceted landscape of medicinal challenges, with supply chain vulnerabilities being a consistent concern. The literature is diverse but fragmented, indicating a need for more coordinated and intervention-focused research. Future research should prioritise implementation studies addressing supply chain failures. Policy development should consider formal frameworks for traditional medicine integration and strengthened pharmacovigilance systems. Establishing a national medicine research agenda is recommended. Botswana, medicinal challenges, drug supply, access to medicines, scoping review, health systems, sub-Saharan Africa This review provides a consolidated evidence map for researchers and policymakers, clarifying the extent and focus of existing literature on medicinal challenges in Botswana.
Motsumi et al. (Mon,) studied this question.