By Thokozani Mazibuko
“This is a huge step in the right direction as the Ministry of Health has made the “Nkwe’ mandate a priority.”
These were the words of Minister of Health, Mduduzi Matsebula during the opening of the new eye clinic in Manzini on Wednesday.
The Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital (RFM) officially launched its new Eye Clinic on Wednesday.
The announcement was made by the Minister, who emphasized the significance of this development for the community and the nation’s healthcare system.
During the launch event, Minister Matsebula highlighted the longstanding commitment of the Eswatini Nazarene Health Institutions (ENHI) to provide “compassionate quality services” despite the various health challenges faced in the region.
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He stated: “Today marks a crucial milestone in our health journey as we unveil an initiative that reflects innovation, partnership, and a recommitment to quality care.”
The partnership between ENHI and the One Sight Foundation was a focal point of Matsebula’s remarks.
“It is encouraging to learn that the launch of the eye clinic has been made possible by a strategic collaboration with One Sight Foundation, paving the way for sustainable eye health solutions and affordable spectacles,” he said.
This partnership aims to offer comprehensive eye health solutions to all patients in Manzini and the surrounding areas, addressing crucial needs in the community.
Highlights from the Minister’s speech included an emphasis on the new eye clinic’s significance in delivering permanent refractive error correction and the importance of raising awareness about available eye health services.
“This initiative will not only allow patients to receive the correct prescription glasses at an affordable price but also encourage more individuals to seek examinations at the eye unit,” Matsebula noted.
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Emphasizing the need for continued progress, Matsebula called on ENHI to pursue the government’s mandate for efficiency and effectiveness in health services.
“Health institutions have a role to play in delivering business most efficiently and effectively, and I commend ENHI for its ability to pioneer strategic initiatives that contribute to national policy,” he remarked.
The Minister also acknowledged various groundbreaking initiatives previously introduced by ENHI, including Nevirapine for PMTCT, early infant male circumcision, and quality management systems.
“With the launch of this eye clinic, we are optimistic about improved service delivery and better patient outcomes,” he stated, underscoring the government’s ongoing commitment to support ENHI in its mission to enhance healthcare for all Emaswati.
Concluding his address, Matsebula expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved, reiterating the government’s dedication to improving citizens’ lives.
“We remain committed to working closely with ENHI’s leadership to ensure that quality health care reaches each citizen of Eswatini,” he affirmed.
As the new Eye Clinic opens its doors, the community looks forward to a future of improved eye health services and better overall health outcomes,
reflecting It should be noted that this is one of Eswatini’s ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare access and quality for all its citizens.
