The Chief Executive Officer of BoMRA, Dr Seima Dijeng, convened a meeting with a select group of key veterinary industry stakeholders to discuss the draft veterinary regulations under the new Medicines and Related Substances Act (MRSA).

The engagement is part of a broader, ongoing stakeholder consultation on the Medicines and Related Substances Act (MRSA and its regulations, with particular focus on the new Act’s purpose, key changes, and the material distinctions from the repealed Act.

In his opening remarks, the CEO thanked the stakeholders for honoring the invitation despite the short notice. He explained that this session was a targeted engagement ahead of a wider veterinary stakeholder consultation scheduled for today, Thursday, 03rd September 2026, noting that it was important to meet with representatives of key institutions first, before the broader engagement takes place.

He emphasised that the purpose of the session was to help stakeholders understand and appreciate the new MRSA and its draft regulations — distinguishing what is new from what has been retained and highlighting how each provision would support their businesses and operations going forward. He added that the new Act addresses many of the legal gaps present in the old Act, making it essential for stakeholders to understand its provisions fully.

The discussions centred on an overview of the key changes introduced by the Act, including, among others:

• The scheduling of veterinary medicinal products (VMPs) a provision that did not exist under the previous legislation.
• Supervision of VMP premises, and the dispensing and prescribing of veterinary medicinal products
• Strengthened veterinary supervision over the handling of these products.
• New regulatory measures for the responsible use of antibiotics and vaccines, including provisions to address misuse, promote best practice, and maintain an appropriate balance in their application.

The CEO further noted that this engagement is part of BOMRA’s broader contribution to the national agenda, particularly the government’s drive to grow the country’s cattle herd to five million as directed by the Presidency.

He stated that sound regulation of veterinary medicines is central to this agenda, as it protects animal health and supports Botswana’s beef export market, all of which underpin the success of the national herd-growth target.

The meeting was attended by representatives from key players in the veterinary industry, including the Botswana Veterinary Council, the Botswana Veterinary Association, the Botswana Vaccine Institute, and the Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board.

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