Gaborone, 3 February 2026 – The Botswana Public Officers’ Medical Aid Scheme (BPOMAS) has acknowledged delays in issuing provider statements and settling invoices, citing administrative reconciliations and cash-flow pressures as contributing factors.

Speaking on behalf of the Scheme, Acting Principal Officer and Chief Executive, Mrs Linda Keloneilwe, said BPOMAS is working closely with the government and stakeholders to restore normal payment cycles. “We recognise the ripple effects these delays may have on service providers and patient care. Our commitment is to ensure continuity of healthcare access for all members,” she stated.

Background

Established in 1990 under Presidential Directive CAB 1/90, BPOMAS provides medical aid cover to public servants, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of the House of Chiefs, and parastatal employees. As of December 2025, the Scheme covered 202,242 lives, including 89,208 principal members and 113,034 dependents.

Like many institutions operating in Botswana’s current economic climate, BPOMAS is navigating financial pressures linked to broader national conditions. Recent media reports have raised concerns about payment timelines, prompting the Scheme to issue clarifications.

Payment Status

• Invoices up to November 2025: Fully settled for most providers.
• December 2025 invoices: Partially paid, with balances being processed in phases.
• January 2026 invoices: Under review, to be processed once December obligations are cleared.

BPOMAS emphasised that all valid claims remain payable and none are being disregarded. The phased approach, according to management, is intended to safeguard financial stability while meeting obligations responsibly.

Measures to Address Delays

To stabilise cash flow, BPOMAS has:

• Intensified engagement with government and other contributors.
• Strengthened claims management and payment scheduling.
• Committed to weekly updates for providers to enhance transparency.

Keloneilwe stressed that the delays are temporary and linked to “cash-flow sequencing rather than rejection of claims.” She added that communication with providers has already been undertaken through formal letters and direct engagements.

Long-Term Outlook

BPOMAS is reinforcing collaboration with the government and stakeholders to better align contribution inflows with payment obligations. This, the Scheme says, will improve predictability and resilience against future economic pressures.

Assurance to Members

Despite the challenges, BPOMAS assured members that access to healthcare services remains uninterrupted. “Our priority is to protect the well-being of our members while maintaining strong partnerships with healthcare providers,” Keloneilwe said.

For further enquiries, BPOMAS directed stakeholders to contact its Marketing, PR & Communications Manager, Lesire Mpotokwane, via comms@bpomas.co.bw or mobile 730 761 71.