by Ncaba Ntshakala
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, who is currently on a working visit in Belarus, has announced a significant milestone in Eswatini’s healthcare sector.
On Monday, a roadmap was signed with the Ministry of Health in Belarus which will enhance medical supplies and establish new health facilities in Eswatini.
The agreement includes the supply of critical medicines and medical equipment to the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Moreover, the roadmap outlines plans to establish a pharmaceutical company and a private clinic in Eswatini.
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This partnership also encompasses the training of Eswatini’s health professionals, thereby bolstering the country’s healthcare capabilities.
“Our visit to Belarus has been highly productive,” the Premier stated.
“We have signed a comprehensive roadmap with the Ministry of Health in Belarus that will address some of our most pressing healthcare needs.
This collaboration will not only ensure a steady supply of critical medicines and equipment but also lay the groundwork for a new pharmaceutical company and a private clinic in Eswatini.”
Before the signing ceremony, the Prime Minister and his delegation visited several key health institutions in Belarus. Among these was the N.N Alexandrov National Cancer Centre, an advanced oncological centre that treats approximately 1,000 patients daily.
The delegation also toured RUE Belmedpreparaty, a leading pharmaceutical company in Belarus with an annual production value exceeding E10.9 billion (US$600 million) and an export reach to over 20 countries.
“The facilities we visited were impressive, particularly the N.N Alexandrov National Cancer Centre, which offers cutting-edge cancer treatment to thousands of patients daily,” noted Dlamini.
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“RUE Belmedpreparaty’s scale and efficiency in pharmaceutical production were equally remarkable. These insights will be invaluable as we move forward with our own health initiatives.”
Also visits the University of Civil Protection in Belarus
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini and his delegation, currently on a working visit to Belarus, have added another significant stop to their itinerary with a visit to the University of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Belarus.
During their visit, the Prime Minister and his team were treated to a spectacular display of emergency rescue simulations, which are part of the university’s extensive training programs.
The university offers a wide range of emergency qualifications, extending up to the PhD level. Prime Minister Dlamini expressed his enthusiasm about the prospect of collaboration with the institution.
“We were thrilled to see the advanced emergency rescue simulations at the University of Civil Protection,” said Prime Minister Russell Dlamini.
“Their willingness to come to Eswatini and train our emergency rescue teams as early as September this year is an exciting development.
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This will greatly enhance our emergency response capabilities and ensure better preparedness for various emergency situations.”
The visit to the university was part of a broader agenda that included tours of other significant Belarusian institutions.
The delegation also visited the state-owned OJSC Belaz, a renowned dump truck plant with a global footprint.
At OJSC Belaz, the Prime Minister and his team learned about the organization’s impressive production capabilities, including the manufacturing of the world’s largest truck, which weighs 450 tons and holds a Guinness World Record.
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini even had the opportunity to test drive one of their electric trucks.
“The scale of operations at OJSC Belaz is truly remarkable,” the Prime Minister remarked. “Their expertise in producing such large-scale machinery is something we can learn from.
We have invited OJSC Belaz to exhibit at the Eswatini International Trade Fair as we continue to open up our mining industry. This could pave the way for significant advancements in our mining sector.”
Additionally, the Prime Minister’s delegation visited the Belarusian State Museum of the Great Patriotic War, where they gained insights into the historical and cultural heritage of Belarus.
