BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE— Critically ill patients at Mbabane Government Hospital are expected to receive improved emergency treatment after Eswatini Royal Insurance Corporation donated specialised Intensive Care Unit equipment worth E250 000 to the hospital on 25 May 2026.
The donation, handed over under ESRIC’s 2026 Corporate Social Investment programme, is aimed at improving critical care services for patients battling severe illnesses, traumatic injuries and medical emergencies that require constant monitoring and advanced treatment.
Among the equipment donated were two Agilia VP MC infusion pumps used to administer controlled medication and fluids to patients, two video laryngoscopes that help doctors during emergency airway procedures, pressure infusor bags, oxygen saturation probes and stethoscopes.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, ESRIC General Manager Zama Ngcobo said the corporation understood the importance of supporting public healthcare institutions, particularly units such as the ICU where specialised treatment is often costly and equipment remains expensive to procure.
Ngcobo praised healthcare workers for their continued dedication to saving lives despite the challenges faced by public hospitals. He said ESRIC wanted to contribute towards ensuring that Emaswati receive quality critical healthcare services locally instead of seeking expensive treatment outside the country.
He said ICU care remains beyond the reach of many ordinary citizens, making collaboration between the private sector and public health institutions important in improving healthcare delivery. “Our commitment is to support initiatives that directly improve the wellbeing of communities and contribute towards better healthcare services for Emaswati,” said Ngcobo.
Senior Health Administrator Vumile Dlamini described the donation as timely, saying hospitals continue to experience pressure in treating critically ill patients who require specialised care. Dlamini said the equipment would help improve the ICU’s operational capacity and support healthcare workers in delivering treatment more efficiently.
“This donation is important not only for patient care, but also for staff morale. It shows that ESRIC values the work being done by healthcare workers and is willing to support the health sector,” she said. She added that partnerships between corporates and public hospitals remain important in improving healthcare services and ensuring facilities are properly equipped to save lives.
The donation forms part of an ongoing partnership between ESRIC and the ICU that began in 2021. Since then, the corporation has donated medical equipment worth more than E1.2 million to the hospital.
Previous donations included oxygen systems, bedside monitors, electric suction machines, syringe drivers, medical waste trolleys, oxygen cylinder regulators and rolling stands.
Last year, ESRIC also donated Alpha Active pneumatic pumps with mattresses, warming blankets, antimicrobial disposable curtains, disinfectant sprays, LED television screens and a laptop to improve patient care and working conditions for staff.
Healthcare workers at the hospital said the latest equipment would improve the ICU’s preparedness in responding to emergencies and contribute towards better patient outcomes for those requiring specialised critical care support.
(Courtesy Pic)
