By Siphesihle Dlamini
- Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo denounces the narrative that the King is responsible for the drug shortage.
- Govt refutes the malicious intent behind social media reports and denounce them as propaganda aimed at inciting revolt and overthrow of the legitimate government system.
- The responsibility lies with the Ministry of Health says Government spokesperson, Alpheous Nxumalo
The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini has clarified the shortage of medical drug supply in hospitals amid social media controversy.
In a statement released by the Government, it has been emphasized that the duty of procuring and supplying medical drugs for hospitals in the country does not fall under the jurisdiction of the King.
The Government has firmly asserted that this responsibility lies with the Ministry of Health, and any shortages of medical drugs in health institutions are the accountability of the Government, not the Head of State.
Government Spokesperson, Alpheous Nxumalo expressed dismay at the spread of misinformation on social media, attributing drug shortages to the King.
Describing such reports as ‘fiction’ disguised as ‘credible news,’ the Government Spokesperson highlighted the unwavering commitment of His Majesty King Mswati III to improving the nation’s healthcare system.
This commitment is evident in the numerous healthcare institutions personally commissioned by His Majesty the King.
Refuting the malicious intent behind these social media reports, Nxumalo denounced them as propaganda aimed at inciting revolt and overthrow of the legitimate government system, an act considered treasonable.
“Government and the entire nation, therefore, rejects such continued malicious and denigrating social media reports.
These types of social media reports are nothing else but the propaganda of incitement to ‘revolt and overthrow’ of a legitimate system of Government, an act for which in all fundamental political standards, practical purposes and in law is treasonable,” he said.
The Government Spokesperson commended the efforts of the Cabinet sub-committee on drug shortages and the Minister of Health in addressing the issue, emphasizing the collective responsibility of all parties involved, including drug suppliers.
Despite the challenges posed by such misinformation, Nxumalo urged all stakeholders involved in resolving the drug shortage situation not to be discouraged but to intensify their efforts.
Nxumalo acknowledged the progress made in stabilizing drug supplies in health institutions, attributing it to the dedication and hard work of all those involved.
In conclusion, Nxumalo reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring the availability of medical drugs in the country’s health institutions and called for unity in combating the dissemination of false information that undermines these efforts.
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“The government wishes to urge all those involved in these efforts of stabilizing the drug shortage situation in the country, not to be discouraged by such meaningless social media reports but to double down on their efforts which no doubt; are beginning to pay positive dividends in country’s health institutions,” the Government Spokesperson declared.
Ministry of Health makes progress in resolving medicine shortage crisis
The Ministry of Health has announced significant strides in addressing the ongoing medicine and medical supplies shortage crisis that has been plaguing the nation.
The Ministry, acknowledging the impact of the shortage on the health of emaSwati, particularly in relation to critical medications for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), has expressed its sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused.
Assuring the nation of their commitment to resolving the issue, Minister of Health, Mduduzi Matsebula revealed that a substantial stock of medicines, including crucial medications for NCDs such as diabetes and hypertension, has been delivered to the Central Medical Stores (CMS).
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This latest consignment is set to adequately supply all public healthcare facilities across Eswatini, encompassing clinics, health centres, and hospitals.
“We are pleased to report that the much-awaited diabetic medication and hypertension treatments are now available in sufficient quantities to meet the needs of our healthcare facilities nationwide,” stated Matsebula.
Efforts are underway to swiftly dispatch these medications to all regions, ensuring timely access for patients in need. Furthermore.
The Ministry has outlined comprehensive strategies aimed at maintaining sustainable levels of medicine and medical supplies in the long term.
These initiatives include digitalizing processes to streamline supply chains, enhancing quality control measures, and bolstering security protocols to safeguard against future shortages.
In addition to addressing the medicine crisis, Minister Matsebula has underscored the Ministry’s commitment to tackling other pressing healthcare challenges, such as ambulance shortages, decentralization efforts, ensuring continuous renal dialysis services, addressing human resource gaps, and refurbishing ageing healthcare infrastructure.
As the Ministry continues its dedicated efforts to fortify the public healthcare sector, the Health Minister called for patience and collaboration from the nation.
“Together, with the support of emaSwati, we are determined to transform the state of our public healthcare system and emerge stronger from this crisis,” affirmed Minister Matsebula.
