By Siphesihle Dlamini
In a proactive response to alarming reports regarding rodent infestations in the children’s ward and rising security concerns, Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula visited the Mbabane Government Hospital on Monday.
His visit reflects a commitment to address critical health and safety issues affecting patients and their families in this national referral hospital.
Accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Health, Minister Matsebula conducted a thorough inspection of the facility, engaging with both hospital management and staff to identify areas requiring immediate intervention.
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The visit was prompted by distressing accounts from clients, particularly those utilizing Ward 6, the hospital’s children’s ward, which has reportedly become overrun with rats.
During his tour, Minister Matsebula expressed deep concern over the presence of rodents, stating, “This is a national referral hospital, and it should lead by example.
Having rodents roaming freely inside a hospital ward is unacceptable by any standards, and something must be done urgently.”
He emphasized the need for swift action to exterminate the rodents and to alleviate overcrowding in the ward. “The management must look at available means within our systems to exterminate the rodents.
Additionally, we must find a way to decongest the children’s ward to allow for effective fumigation,” he added.
The Minister didn’t limit his inspection to the ward itself; he also evaluated the hospital’s surroundings, noting that certain areas could serve as breeding grounds for pests.
“Dealing with the rats in Ward 6 will not be enough. The surroundings must also be cleared of any rubble and bushy areas because this is where the rats breed.
This will ensure that we tackle the matter on all fronts,” he stated.
Further inspection led Minister Matsebula to the hospital kitchen, where he identified the need for refurbishment to ensure that patients receive healthy and safe food.
He highlighted the importance of maintaining high standards in food preparation, particularly in a healthcare setting.
The tour also included a visit to the laundry facilities, where the Minister assessed the equipment and services.
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After reviewing the operations, he noted that some machinery required servicing to enhance the efficiency of the laundry staff.
One of the most pressing issues addressed during the visit was the condition of the renal dialysis unit.
Minister Matsebula observed that patients currently have no designated waiting area, stating, “The current conditions to which the patients are subject at the moment are inhumane.”
He urged the management to find a space within the facility that could be repurposed into a temporary waiting area, assuring that the Ministry would pursue a permanent solution to improve the experience for dialysis patients.
In addition to health and safety concerns, the Minister also tackled security issues. He met with the head of security personnel, urging them to ensure the safety of hospital wards, especially during the night.
“I would like to commend your team for having apprehended the culprit who had stolen items belonging to clients.
It is wonderful that the property of our clients was returned to them, but such incidents should not happen again,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of a secure environment for patients and their families.
The visit concluded with a commitment from Minister Matsebula to advocate for improvements and resources necessary to enhance the hospital’s operations.
His engagement highlighted the government’s dedication to restoring trust in the healthcare system and ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care in a safe environment.
As the Minister left the facility, he reiterated the urgency of addressing the identified issues, promising to follow up on the implementation of the proposed changes.
