Overview
The health system combines public provision with private clinics, pharmacies and diagnostics. Donor programmes (Global Fund, PEPFAR) support communicable‑disease control, while non‑communicable diseases are rising. Investment is needed in diagnostics, supply chains, telehealth and private hospital services.
Sector Structure and Key Facts
- Infrastructure: Primary care network, district hospitals and a national referral hospital; private clinics and labs in urban centres.
- Employment: Doctors, nurses, allied health, lab technologists and pharmacists; shortages exist in specialist skills.
- Trends: Digital health, supply‑chain strengthening, and PPP models for imaging and laboratories.
Competitive Analysis
Proximity to SA referral networks; scope for private provision to complement public services; donor financing can de‑risk projects with social impact.
Institutional and Legal Framework
- Ministry of Health – health policy; health facilities/practitioners, drugs and pharmaceutical regulation; health infrastructure development.
- National Drug Service Organisation (NDSO) – procurement, storage and distribution of Health Sector Goods for the Government of Lesotho.
- Lesotho Medical, Dental and Pharmacy Council (LMDPC) – health education, service standards, practitioners (medical, dental, pharmacy), and institutions regulation.
- Lesotho Nursing Council (LNC) – regulating nurses and midwives.
Incentives and Support Schemes
| Incentive Type | Details |
| PPP Opportunities | Lab and imaging services under PPP/management contracts with MoH. |
Key Investment Opportunities
Diagnostics and imaging; private clinics and day hospitals; pharma/medical supply distribution; telemedicine and health IT; cold‑chain and last‑mile delivery.
Other Investor Information:
Licensing, clinical governance and data protection are strict requirements; workforce attraction/retention strategies are essential.
Compliance and Participation Strategies:
Register facilities and professionals with councils; align with MoH standards; adopt data protection and medical waste protocols.
Key Takeaways:
- Private provision can ease system constraints.
- Diagnostics and supply chains are priority gaps.
- PPPs and impact finance can de‑risk investments.
Checklist for Foreign Investors
- Licensing and council registrations
- Clinical governance
- Data protection
- Supply and cold‑chain design