By Mfanufikile Khathwane (Intern)
MANZINI – The launch of Eswatini’s new Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and solar energy infrastructure will benefit over 400 000 patients annually, while saving the country more than E12 million each year through lower oxygen costs and enhanced efficiency.
The milestone was marked today at a handover ceremony at Manzini Government Hospital, where Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula described the development as “a game-changer” for emergency care and service delivery across Eswatini’s health system.
“This is more than just infrastructure it is a long-term investment in saving lives and strengthening our national resilience,” the Minister said.
The initiative is supported by global partners including the United States Government, UNITAID, USAID, UNICEF, CHAI, and the Taiwanese Consulate.
Valued at over E20 million, the project includes the installation of LOX tanks, piped oxygen systems, telemetry monitoring, ward renovations, and solar systems for rural clinics prone to power outages.
A key breakthrough has been the reduction in the cost of medical oxygen from E35 per kilogram to just E15. This 69% price cut achieved through market-shaping efforts by the Ministry of Health and its partners is expected to yield E12 million in annual savings for the public health sector.
Hospitals Upgraded Under the Project
Manzini Government Hospital: Installed a 20-ton LOX tank, positioning the facility as a national LOX hub to supply other hospitals. The upgrade meets rising oxygen demands due to new High Dependency, Oncology, and Renal Units.
Good Shepherd Hospital: Received a 2-ton LOX tank, a manifold room, oxygen piping for 96 beds, and a fully automated manifold system. The upgrade was co-financed by UNICEF and the Global Fund.
Mankayane Government Hospital: Equipped with a 2-ton tank connected to a cylinder manifold, with further piping upgrades pending.
Piggs Peak Government Hospital: Installed a 3-ton tank along with access road and entry gate improvements.
In addition to infrastructure, the project has supplied essential critical care accessories such as flowmeters, regulators, and other oxygen-related consumables. Real-time telemetry systems are being rolled out to monitor oxygen usage and prevent shortages.
This intervention follows the COVID-19 pandemic, which revealed significant gaps in Eswatini’s oxygen supply and emergency preparedness. In response, CHAI and UNITAID partnered with the Ministry of Health to develop the National Medical Oxygen Operational Plan (2022–2025) and the Medical Gases Sustainability Plan, which was officially endorsed this week.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the Eswatini Medical Gases and Oxygen Sustainability Plan outlines a full government takeover of procurement and maintenance by April 2026. Biomedical engineers are currently undergoing training as part of the transition.
The oxygen Technical Working Group (TWG), co-led by the Ministry and CHAI, continues to coordinate national strategies by combining expertise from clinical, supply chain, and technical partners.
Solar-powered systems are also being installed in rural clinics to ensure uninterrupted services such as safe deliveries, emergency care, and vaccine storage even during power outages there by improving healthcare access in underserved areas.
“This is the Eswatini we are building smart, sustainable, and centered on the well-being of every liSwati,” Minister Matsebula declared.
(Courtesy Pics)
