By Phesheya Ian Kunene
MBABANE – The Phalala Fund office has received a timely Christmas gift from the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the form of a brand-new ambulance.
The vehicle, officially handed over by the Taiwan Embassy, is expected to strengthen the office’s capacity to transport patients requiring specialized medical care.
During the handover ceremony, the Minister of Health, Mduduzi Matsebula, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the government, describing the donation as a testament to the longstanding and fruitful relationship between Eswatini and Taiwan.
“The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini appreciates the long-standing relationship with the Government of Taiwan, and this gesture today is testament to this continued relationship,” said Matsebula.
He further explained the vital role of the Phalala Fund, which was established in 2000 by His Majesty King Mswati III to provide specialist medical services to disadvantaged Emaswati. The fund is responsible for referring patients to medical institutions in South Africa and Mozambique for treatments not available locally.
“Over the years, Phalala has assisted thousands of Emaswati in accessing specialized health services unavailable in the country,” said the minister. He noted, however, that transportation has been a challenge for the office, which has relied on two kombis for over a decade to transport patients to neighboring countries.
“The addition of this ambulance will contribute to the smooth operations of the Phalala office through timely transportation of emergencies. It will also ensure the safety of patients transported, which is critical for their care,” Matsebula added.
The minister also took the opportunity to highlight government efforts to localize specialized healthcare services to reduce reliance on cross-border referrals. “The ministry has embarked on a process of localizing most specialist services so that more Emaswati can benefit from the Phalala Fund within the country,” he said.
In conclusion, Matsebula assured the Taiwan Embassy that the ambulance would be maintained and used for its intended purpose. “On behalf of the Ministry of Health, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for this thoughtful and invaluable contribution,” he remarked.
The donation underscores the strong ties between Eswatini and Taiwan, with both nations committed to collaborative initiatives aimed at improving healthcare delivery and enhancing the lives of Emaswati.
