Story by Ncaba Ntshakala
The Phalala Fund Office received an early Christmas gift in the form of a new ambulance donated by the Republic of China (Taiwan).
This major addition to the Phalala fleet was officially handed over by Taiwan Ambassador Jeremy Liang to the Ministry of Health in a ceremony led by Minister Mduduzi Matsebula.
The donation marks a significant boost to the Phalala Fund’s capacity to provide life-saving transportation for emaSwati requiring specialist medical services.
Minister Matsebula expressed profound gratitude, further highlighting the essential role of the Phalala Fund since its establishment by His Majesty King Mswati III in 2000.
RELATED: Red Cross delivers Christmas goodies worth E70 000 at Silele
“It is with honor that, on behalf of my ministry, I receive the ambulance support for the Phalala Office,” Matsebula said.
He explained that the Phalala Fund was created to assist disadvantaged emaSwati who cannot access specialist care due to financial or logistical constraints.
Over the years, the fund has facilitated the referral and treatment of thousands of emaSwati in South Africa and Mozambique for services unavailable locally.
Therefore, the new ambulance is a timely addition to the Phalala fleet, which has relied on two kombis for over a decade.
“The donation we are here to receive today will contribute to the smooth operations of the Phalala Office through the timely transportation of emergencies.
In addition, the ambulance will ensure the safety of patients transported, adding a much-needed new vehicle to the Phalala fleet,”Matsebula said.
The Minister also emphasized the vast efforts by the Ministry of Health to localize specialist services, adding that the Ministry has embarked on a process of localizing most of the specialist services so that more emaSwati are assisted by Phalala.
RELATED: E86mln for over 43000 Civil Servants’ sweetener
Matsebula further acknowledged the longstanding relationship between Eswatini and Taiwan, calling the gesture an exemplar to their continued partnership.
“The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini appreciates the long-standing relationship with the Government of Taiwan. On behalf of the Ministry of Health, Your Excellency, I thank you,” he concluded.
Ambassador Jeremy Liang expressed Taiwan’s commitment to supporting Eswatini’s healthcare system, stating that the ambulance donation symbolizes their shared values of friendship and cooperation.
