By Thokozani Mazibuko
The Eswatini government has found itself at odds over The Luke Commission (TLC) bailout meant to address ongoing financial difficulties faced by the healthcare organization.
Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg confirmed that the E20 million allocation is included in the Supplementary Budget approved by the Finance Committee but has yet to be tabled in the House.
“There is E20m that is in the Supplementary Budget that has been approved by the Finance Committee but must still be tabled in the House,” Minister Neal Rijkenberg responded to a questionnaire sent by EDN on Wednesday.
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This announcement follows TLC’s shocking statement on Wednesday, where the Commission announced that it would cease offering critical healthcare services to elderly emaSwati effective February 15, 2025, unless financial support is secured.
However, the government Spokesperson, Alpheous Nxumalo reacted with dismay in a statement, emphasizing that it had previously taken measures to stabilize TLC’s financial situation by providing an E30 million grant, which TLC requested last year due to reported financial hardships.
Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo expressed the government’s surprise at TLC’s decision, indicating that they had believed TLC was now in a stable financial position following this relief.
“In light of TLC’s previous financial difficulties, the government took action to alleviate the strain by issuing this grant as a one-time emergency measure and engaged in ongoing discussions to ensure sustainable funding solutions moving forward,” Nxumalo stated.
Among several funding options presented to TLC, the government highlighted models including a subvention for operational costs, transitioning TLC into a government parastatal, and establishing a Public Private Partnership (PPP).
The latter, favored by TLC, would involve the government paying for specific services provided by the organization, akin to existing programs like the Phalala Fund.
Despite several discussions, including one held approximately two weeks ago, a consensus has not yet been reached.
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Nxumalo reassured the public that the Ministry of Health is committed to continuing negotiations with TLC to finalize a workable funding strategy, ideally before any drastic measures affecting service availability are implemented.
The government has also urged TLC to adhere to a “patient first” approach in their decision-making process, emphasizing that critical health services will remain available through public facilities, particularly at Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital and Mbabane Government Hospital.
It should be noted that as public sentiment grows increasingly polarized over the matter, many emaSwati are left wondering what this standoff means for the future of healthcare services in the country, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly.
With the final approval of the E20 million bailout pending, the looming question remains: will TLC find the necessary support to continue its vital work, or will Eswatini’s elderly face disruption in their access to essential healthcare services?
