By Ncaba Ntshakala
The is major improvement for the healthcare system in the Kingdom as the Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula shared that medication stock levels in health facilities have reached 60% as of June.
This development was warmly received by many emaSwati, who have lauded the efforts of the Minister of Health, Mduduzi Matsebula for the effort to restore the situation.
Minister Mduduzi Matsebula expressed his satisfaction with the progress where he highlighted the positive feedback from the community, particularly the elderly.
“It is heartwarming to hear the elderly appreciating that there is a difference in the country’s health system. Hearing them say that there is medication now in the health facilities gives us hope,” he said.
While acknowledging that not all medications are yet available, he emphasized the importance of the improvements made so far. “We really appreciate that the situation is getting better,” he added.
The Minister highlighted the commitment of the Ministry and the government to further enhance healthcare services for all emaSwati.
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“It is very encouraging for us as a Ministry and government to put more effort into ensuring that emaSwati receives all necessary services in health facilities,” he stated.
One notable voice of gratitude came from Irene Magagula, who publicly thanked the government for its intervention.
“We are very thankful that now our clinics have the necessary medication,” she said. Magagula echoed the sentiments of many others in various communities.
The Minister said this when he accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla during a visit to Siphocosini, where the DPM officially handed over a house to an elderly woman, Emelina Maseko.
Others present during the handover ceremony were Siphocosini Chief Jabhane Dlamini, Hhohho Regional Secretary Nalalenkhulu Dlamini and other officials.
Minster Mduduzi Matsebula also serves as the Member of Parliament for Siphocosini.
Following the handover, they toured the Good Shepherd Cares Orphanages, a facility founded by American missionaries Trace and Becky Spencer which provides care for over 18 children from different communities.
The orphanage despite being at Siphocosini but it helps children across the Kingdom as it was shared that it also works with various institutions including the Department of Social Welfare under the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office.
The Minister praised the orphanage’s efforts, noting, “It is heartening to see that even children with challenges like autism are receiving support. Our healthcare system should be like this.”
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When reflecting on the healthcare progress, Minister Mduduzi acknowledged that the journey to fully restore the healthcare system is ongoing.
“We started at 30% of stock levels last November. It is good to hear that as of June, stock levels are at 60%,” he noted.
Despite the remaining challenges, the Minister expressed optimism and gratitude for the improvements made.
He also addressed the negative narratives circulating about the healthcare system, asserting that while there is still work to be done, the Ministry is witnessing tangible progress.
