BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI- Residents of Nshamanti under Gege Inkhundla have appealed to the Ministry of Health to consider bringing a mobile clinic to their community, saying the long distance they travel to access basic healthcare remains a major challenge.
The appeal was made during a child vaccination exercise held in Nshamanti on August 20, 2026, where residents used the opportunity to raise concerns about access to healthcare services.
A Bucopho from the area said residents are currently forced to travel several kilometres to reach Sibovu and Mahlangatjwa clinics, making it difficult for some households to access timely medical attention.
“Health facilities are a necessity for all. We have to travel long distances just to reach a clinic, and this becomes a serious challenge, especially for families with young children, elderly people and those who need regular medical attention,” the Bucopho said.
The residents said the challenge is particularly concerning for families who depend on public transport or have limited means to meet the cost of travelling to distant health facilities.
They believe a mobile clinic would provide a practical solution by taking essential healthcare services directly to the community.
The request was raised at a time when children were already receiving vaccinations, underscoring the importance of bringing preventative healthcare services closer to rural households.
Residents said a regular mobile clinic could provide services such as child immunisation, health screening, basic treatment, health education and other primary healthcare interventions.
Ministry of Health officials who attended the vaccination exercise advised the residents to formally write to the ministry requesting the establishment or allocation of a mobile clinic to serve Nshamanti.
The guidance has given the community a formal avenue to present its concerns and seek government intervention.
For Nshamanti residents, the issue goes beyond convenience. They argue that geographical distance should not prevent people from accessing essential healthcare services.
The appeal also highlights the broader difficulties faced by rural communities where health facilities can be located several kilometres from people’s homes. Long distances, transport availability and travel costs can all affect how quickly residents seek medical attention.
Residents therefore hope that their request will receive favourable consideration and that outreach healthcare services can be extended to Nshamanti.
They believe a mobile clinic would not only reduce the distance travelled but also strengthen access to preventative healthcare, particularly for children, elderly residents and people requiring regular medical attention.
The community’s message is simple: healthcare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live.
“Health facilities are a necessity for all,” the Bucopho said.
Nshamanti residents are now looking to the Ministry of Health to consider their appeal and help bring essential healthcare services closer to their homes.
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(Courtesy Pic)
