BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MATSAPHA – Good Shepherd Catholic Hospital and College of Health Sciences is seeking stronger Government support as it prepares for a major transition towards university status, a move expected to strengthen Eswatini’s capacity to train health professionals and respond to the country’s growing healthcare needs.
The call was made by Minister of Health Mdududzi Matsebula during the Good Shepherd Catholic Hospital and College of Health Sciences Senate Workshop held at Esibayeni Lodge in Matsapha on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
The engagement brought together the Ministry of Health, Honourable Senators, the institution’s Board of Directors, executive management, staff and other stakeholders to discuss healthcare service delivery, financial performance, human resources and the future of the institution.
Good Shepherd Chief Financial Officer Teyise Silolo-Dlamini also updated Senators on the hospital’s financial performance, giving Parliament an overview of the institution’s operations and financial position.
Matsebula said the engagement came at an important time for the country’s health sector, which continues to face increasing demand for healthcare services, shortages of critical resources, infrastructure requirements, human resource needs and financial pressures.
He said Government could not address these challenges alone and highlighted the importance of partnerships with the private sector, development partners and faith-based organisations.
“Government cannot address all these issues alone,” Matsebula said.
He described Good Shepherd as an important partner in supporting Government’s mandate of providing accessible and quality healthcare services, particularly in the Lubombo Region.
“Good Shepherd Catholic Hospital has, over the years, played an important role in supporting Government’s mandate of providing accessible and quality healthcare services to the people of Eswatini, particularly in the Lubombo Region,” he said.
Beyond healthcare delivery, the Minister recognised the College of Health Sciences for its contribution to developing the country’s health workforce through the training of nurses and other health professionals.
He said strengthening human resources for health remained one of the Ministry’s key priorities.
“Healthcare infrastructure and equipment are important, but they cannot replace the healthcare professional,” Matsebula said.
As the institution works towards its transition to university status, the Minister said its academic programmes should remain aligned with national health workforce priorities and respond directly to skills gaps within the health system.
He appealed to Senators to advocate for an appropriate Government subvention to support the College during this important transition.
“I wish to appeal to the Honourable Senators for their support in advocating for appropriate Government subvention for the College of Health Sciences,” Matsebula said.
He said the transition, as pronounced by His Majesty the King, presented an opportunity to expand access to quality health sciences education while strengthening Eswatini’s ability to produce skilled health professionals locally.
However, he stressed that the process would require adequate financial, institutional and human resources to ensure its success and sustainability.
The Minister also called for strong governance and accountability, emphasising that limited healthcare resources must be managed responsibly.
He said effective financial management, transparent procurement, sound human resource practices and proper oversight should remain central to the management of health institutions.
Matsebula further raised the issue of staff welfare, calling for continued attention to employee morale, retention and motivation.
He appealed to Senators to support and advocate for the review of salaries and conditions of service for Good Shepherd employees through the appropriate Government processes.
“A review of remuneration is important in ensuring that the institution is able to attract and retain suitably qualified and experienced professionals,” he said.
He acknowledged that salary reviews must be considered within the broader Government fiscal framework, but stressed that the matter deserved continued attention given the institution’s critical role.
Looking ahead, Matsebula encouraged Good Shepherd to embrace innovation, technology and partnerships, including the growing use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in healthcare and education.
He, however, stressed that technology must complement rather than replace human-centred healthcare.
“Compassion, dignity, ethics and respect for patients must remain at the heart of healthcare,” he said.
Matsebula described the workshop as an opportunity to openly identify challenges, recognise progress and develop solutions collectively.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with Good Shepherd’s Board, management, staff and stakeholders to strengthen the institution’s contribution to Eswatini’s health system.
He said supporting the College’s transition and strengthening conditions for its workforce would contribute to the national objective of building a competent, sustainable and resilient health workforce.
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