By Thokozani Mazibuko
Health workers at the Mkhuzweni Health Centre have taken to the streets in protest, highlighting a dire and persistent crisis that has plagued healthcare facilities across the region since 2022.
The protest, driven by a severe shortage of water and ongoing drug shortages, has raised alarm over the safety and well-being of both healthcare workers and patients.
The Secretary General of the Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SDNU), Mxolisi Masangane, addressed the issue in an interview with Eswatini Daily News (EDN) on Thursday, emphasizing the urgent need for the government to adopt a holistic approach to resolve the health crisis.
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Masangane stated, “The shortage of water in many health facilities is just one piece of a larger puzzle. The drug shortage crisis continues to persist, and without significant intervention, protests and demonstrations like this will keep on mushrooming everywhere.”
Since the onset of the crisis, healthcare professionals have expressed their frustration over the deteriorating conditions in which they are expected to operate.
The lack of essential supplies not only compromises the quality of care provided to patients but also puts the lives of health workers in jeopardy.
“We cannot adequately care for our patients without the basic necessities,” Masangane added. “When there is no water, we face significant challenges in maintaining hygiene and sanitation standards, essential for preventing infections and ensuring safe medical practices.”
The impact of these shortages has been profound, with many health workers feeling disheartened and overburdened by the challenges they face daily. “Our hands are tied.
We want to help our patients, but how can we do that when we’re lacking even the most basic resources?” said one nurse who participated in the protest but wished to remain anonymous.
The protest at Mkhuzweni Health Centre is not an isolated incident; similar demonstrations have emerged across the country, with health workers demanding immediate action from the government.
The SDNU has called on the Ministry of Health to prioritize the replenishment of medical supplies and to invest in infrastructure improvements, particularly concerning water access in health facilities.
In response to the rising tide of protests, community leaders and stakeholders are rallying to support the health workers, recognizing that the health sector is at a critical junction.
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“We stand in solidarity with the health workers,” said a local community leader. “Their fight is our fight, and it’s time for the government to listen to their pleas and take meaningful action.”
As the situation continues to develop, the health and safety of both patients and health workers remain precarious.
The government now faces mounting pressure to address the root causes of these crises and ensure that healthcare facilities can operate effectively.
Without urgent intervention, the protests are likely to continue, further straining an already fragile health system.
