Eswatini opens Smart Healthcare Clinic at Manzini Government Hospital
By Bongimpilo Phiri
Eswatini has officially opened a Smart Healthcare Out-Patient Clinic at Manzini Government Hospital, in a move aimed at improving access to specialised medical services and easing pressure on the public health system.
The facility was developed in partnership with Taiwan and is expected to reduce waiting times while enhancing the quality of care for patients.
The launch brought together key figures from both countries, including Taiwan’s Special Envoy and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Lin Chia-Lung, Minister for Health Mduduzi Matsebula, the Taiwanese Ambassador to Eswatini Jeremy Liang, healthcare professionals and development partners
Speaking at the event, the Minister for Health Mduduzi Matsebula said the clinic represents a shift towards a more modern and responsive healthcare system. He noted that the integration of technology would help bring services closer to communities and improve patient care.
Dr Lin reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to supporting Eswatini’s health sector through innovation, training and technology.
He said the partnership is focused on building a sustainable system that uses digital solutions and telemedicine to improve access to care.
The Taiwanese Ambassador to Eswatini Jeremy Liang described the clinic as a result of long-standing cooperation between the two countries in areas such as infrastructure development, skills training and technology transfer, all aimed at strengthening a patient-centred healthcare system.
The Smart Clinic will offer specialised services including cardiology, orthopaedics, urology and telemedicine. These services are expected to reduce the burden on referral hospitals while enabling patients to receive quicker and more efficient care.
The launch also introduced advanced diagnostic equipment, including a Siemens SOMATOM CT scanner, which is expected to improve early detection of diseases and support more accurate diagnoses.
The Ministry of Health highlighted Taiwan’s role in developing local expertise, revealing that 154 emaSwati doctors have received training in Taiwan, alongside nurses and other healthcare workers.
The Taiwan Medical Mission, which has been operating in Eswatini for 18 years, continues to support outreach programmes, strengthen hospitals and expand telemedicine services.
Officials said these efforts have contributed to improvements in maternal and child health, including increased antenatal care visits and a reduction in neonatal deaths under supported programmes.