Government has completed an E21.5 million refurbishment of Lubombo Referral Hospital, with the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development delivering the project through its Microprojects Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
The upgraded facility was officially handed over during a tour led by Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Khanya Mabuza.
The E21.5 million investment targeted both infrastructure and service delivery gaps that had affected the hospital for years. 
According to project officials, the scope of work included the installation of new Klip-Lok roofing and ceilings, upgrading of electrical systems, renovation of ablution facilities with new sanitary fittings and tiling and fresh paintwork across wards and administrative areas.
The hospital also received new air conditioning units, kitchen fittings and replacement of damaged door fittings and consultation room viewing panels.
In addition, the Emergency Room was reconfigured to improve patient flow during critical cases, while the temporary laboratory was fully renovated.
Officials said the upgrades were prioritized to address maintenance backlogs that had compromised infection control, staff working conditions and overall efficiency.
The Microprojects Programme stated that the objective was to create a safer, more comfortable and more functional environment for patients and health workers.
A major component of the handover was the announcement of new specialized equipment. Mabuza confirmed that Lubombo Referral Hospital has acquired six new renal dialysis machines as part of the upgrade.
The Ministry of Health said the introduction of dialysis services at the facility will reduce pressure on other hospitals in the country that have been providing the service and will cut travel costs for patients in the Lubombo Region who previously had to seek treatment elsewhere.
Mabuza commended the transformation and said the refurbishment will have a direct impact on healthcare delivery in the Lubombo Region.
He stated that improved infrastructure supports better patient care, staff retention and operational efficiency.
The Principal Secretary added that the hospital is now better positioned to handle referrals and to provide a wider range of services to the surrounding communities.
The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development described the E21.5 million expenditure as an investment in people’s health, dignity and well-being.
The ministry said the Microprojects Programme continues to partner with sector ministries to deliver infrastructure that improves public services and enhances quality of life.
The Ministry of Health said the immediate priorities include staffing the new dialysis unit, training technicians to operate and maintain the machines and establishing systems to service the new infrastructure.
The ministry also said Lubombo Referral Hospital will be integrated more fully into the national referral network to ensure consistent supply of dialysis consumables and clear patient referral pathways.
The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development confirmed that similar infrastructure upgrades are planned for other regions as part of ongoing public investment in health and social services.
