Govt donates E1.1mln ambulance to RFM Hospital
By Thokozani Mazibuko
In a significant boost to the nation’s healthcare sector, the Minister of Health, Hon. Mduduzi Matsebula, officially handed over a state-of-the-art ambulance worth E1.1 million to Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital on Thursday morning.
The donation forms part of His Majesty King Mswati III’s broader mandate to strengthen healthcare delivery across the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The new ambulance is expected to ease pressure on the hospital and improve response times for patients in need of urgent medical attention.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Matsebula reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting both public and private health institutions.
He announced that the government will cover fuel and maintenance costs for the vehicle, a measure aimed at alleviating RFM’s financial challenges.
“This ambulance is not just a vehicle it is a lifeline,” said the Minister. “By ensuring that it is fully serviced and fuelled, we are making certain that no patient is left unattended due to transport constraints.”
RFM Board Chairman, Straidom Mpanza, expressed gratitude on behalf of the hospital, saying the donation would go a long way in improving service delivery.
“This ambulance will greatly reduce the workload and enhance our capacity to save lives,” Mpanza said. “We thank government for responding to the needs of our hospital and community.”
Over the past 22 months, the Ministry of Health has procured about 70 vehicles, with more than 20 being ambulances, underscoring government’s determination to modernise the country’s health infrastructure.
The Minister also highlighted that the newly donated ambulance is equipped with a tracking system that allows the Ministry’s transport department to monitor its movements and usage.
He warned against misuse, noting that any abuse of the vehicle would result in its immediate recall and reassignment to other sectors in need.
The handover ceremony comes at a time when the country continues to strengthen its healthcare response capacity to meet the growing needs of Emaswati.
The government’s ongoing investment in ambulances and hospital support is seen as a step toward achieving equitable access to quality healthcare across the nation.