The first intake of undergraduate students at the medical school to be established in Lesotho is expected to commence in July 2027.

This was revealed by the Minister of Health, Selibe Mochoboroane, when presenting the Ministry’s recurrent budget estimate of more than two billion maloti before the Committee of Supply in the National Assembly on Monday.

Mr. Mochoboroane said the Ministry has made provisions for the establishment of the institution, which will offer programmes including a Bachelor of Surgery and Medicine, as well as postgraduate studies in Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Surgery and Internal Medicine, among others.

He noted that to ensure the institution becomes operational, facilities such as the National Health Training Centre, Motebang Hospital and Queen 'Mamohato Memorial Hospital will be utilised.

The Minister further stated that M5 million has been allocated for the implementation of the Lesotho Medical and Medicines Devices Control Authority, which will regulate and oversee medical products.

Additionally, M100 million has been set aside in the upcoming financial year for the construction of a cancer centre, which is expected to be completed between 2027 and 2028.

Mr. Mochoboroane said the Ministry also intends to strengthen primary health care, improve referral systems, and enhance the control and management of non-communicable diseases.

However, he highlighted that due to budget constraints, the Ministry will be unable to rehabilitate Mohlomi Hospital and address other maintenance needs.

Meanwhile, Members of Parliament supported the proposed budget, noting that the establishment of the medical school will benefit Basotho and attract international students, contributing to the country’s economic growth.

Some MPs, however, proposed an increase in the allocation, citing ongoing health challenges, particularly limited access to services in remote areas.

The budget was subsequently approved and adopted as part of the annual financial estimates.