By Mfanufikile Khathwane
MBABANE –Eswatini efforts to modernise its healthcare system took a significant leap forward as the Ministry of ICT, in partnership with the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), officially launched new digital tools to support the Client Management Information System (CMIS) for Ministry of Health April 14, 2025.
The handover ceremony, held at the Cooper Centre Boardroom in Mbabane, marked the distribution of equipment aimed at strengthening health service delivery across the country. The initiative is supported by the Universal Access and Service Fund (UASF), under ESCCOM.
Speaking at the event, Minister of ICT Hon Savannah Maziya described the development as a major milestone. “These tools will help healthcare professionals manage patients records from admission to discharge. With faster access to accurate data, we can improve decision-making and patient care” she said.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of digital health systems in rural and underserved areas, where access to consistent healthcare can be a challenge. “This project ensures that every patient health information travels with them, improving continuity of care and respect for every individual,” she added.
Also present was ESCCOM’s Chief Executive Officer who highlighted the organisation commitment to advancing digital healthcare in Eswatini. “We have provided 80 tablets with docking stations, five wireless access points, and Cisco switches across five hospitals,” he said. “This supports real time data capture and improves the efficiency of healthcare delivery” added the Chief Executive Officer.
He also emphasised the importance of cybersecurity, noting that ESCCOM is part of the Digital Health Committee that ensures patient data is protected and digital systems are responsibly managed.
Addressing distinguished guests and stakeholders Minister of Health, Hon. Mduduzi Matsebula,noted the critical role that technology plays in transforming healthcare delivery across Eswatini. “Today is a great day for the Ministry of Health, especially for our Strategic Information Department,” he stated.
The equipment they were receiving will be a vital to strengthening digital health systems in Eswatini, particularly the Client Management Information System (CMIS), which is now operational in over 80 per cent of health facilities.
The Minister also highlighted the introduction of CMIS-Plus, an enhanced version of the digital platform tailored for community level healthcare services. Supported by ESCCOM, the innovation aims to improve referral pathways, treatment linkage, and retention in care key challenges faced in many community health settings.
Minister Matsebula stated that they are positive that these efforts will lead to better documentation, stronger adherence to treatment, and improved patient outcomes. He also, acknowledged the ministry partnership with ESCCOM and other stakeholders in driving the country closer to Universal Health Coverage (UHC). “May I state this is not the first support we received. They have previously partnered with the ministry to digitise outreach services for continuum of care for our clients he said.”
