BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Eswatini is preparing to open a groundbreaking chapter in its healthcare system as the country’s first-ever radiology and oncology facility moves closer to becoming fully operational.
The OncAura Wellness Centre in Manzini, a state-of-the-art complex designed to offer comprehensive cancer diagnosis and treatment, is now nearing completion and awaiting final regulatory approval.
On Friday, 28 November 2025, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini conducted an inspection visit to assess progress at the centre. His visit followed a direct command from His Majesty King Mswati III, who instructed that the facility be given every necessary form of support to ensure that it becomes functional without delay. The Prime Minister toured the centre to verify its readiness to deliver world-class oncology and radiology services aligned with international clinical standards.
Following the visit, Dlamini expressed satisfaction with the substantial progress made in both the physical establishment of the facility and the recruitment of specialist personnel. He stated that the centre is now operationally ready, pending only the issuing of a licence by the Interim Eswatini Nuclear Regulatory Authority. The Authority is currently reviewing the final documentation required before the facility can begin attending to patients.
The near-completion of the OncAura Wellness Centre comes at a decisive time for the nation. It follows the recent passing of the National Nuclear and Radiation Safety Regulatory Bill 2024 by Parliament—a pivotal piece of legislation that provides the regulatory framework necessary for the safe handling of nuclear medicine, radiological equipment and radiation-based treatments. This strengthened legal environment ensures that the new centre will operate under stringent safety and compliance standards from its first day.
During the visit, the Prime Minister commended the exceptional quality of professionals who have already been engaged to run the centre. The team includes highly trained oncologists, radiologists, radiotherapists and specialised support staff whose expertise will form the backbone of the country’s new cancer-care capabilities. He noted that the presence of such skilled personnel reflects both the seriousness and the ambition behind this national health investment.
The establishment of the OncAura Wellness Centre is especially timely given the worrying rise in cancer cases in Eswatini. Current data shows a national cancer prevalence of 88.8 cases per 1 000 people, the highest recorded worldwide. This alarming statistic has placed immense pressure on the health system and highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive cancer services within the country. Until now, many patients have had to rely on referrals outside Eswatini, particularly to South Africa, resulting in delays in diagnosis and treatment, emotional hardship for families and significant financial expenditure under the Phalala Medical Referral Fund.
Government officials emphasise that the new centre will dramatically reduce these burdens by offering advanced diagnostic imaging, screening, treatment and follow-up care locally. The OncAura Wellness Centre is expected to cut millions of Emalangeni in annual medical referral costs while ensuring that patients receive timely and continuous treatment without the emotional strain of travelling abroad.
Beyond financial and logistical relief, the establishment of the centre represents a major step forward in strengthening the nation’s health infrastructure. It demonstrates Eswatini’s commitment to addressing the growing challenge of non-communicable diseases and to building a healthcare system capable of meeting modern medical demands. Officials have expressed hope that the centre will, in time, become a regional hub for oncology and diagnostic imaging, attracting partnerships, medical specialists and collaborative research opportunities from across the continent.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring that the centre becomes operational as swiftly as safely possible. He noted that all procedural requirements are being fast-tracked, and that the facility’s launch will mark a “transformational moment” for the country’s healthcare system.
As the final licensing stage proceeds, there is widespread anticipation that the OncAura Wellness Centre will soon open its doors, bringing lifesaving services to the nation. Once operational, the facility will stand as a testament to innovation, preparedness and Eswatini’s determination to prioritise the health and wellbeing of its people.
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Courtesy Pics)
