BY MBONGENI NDLELA
LOBAMBA – Healthcare remains a top priority for the Eswatini government, with a strong commitment to ensuring affordable and accessible medical services for all.
King Mswati III, in his parliamentary address, reaffirmed plans to improve the country’s health system, particularly for vulnerable groups.
The King acknowledged recent progress, including the increased availability of essential medicines in hospitals and clinics. However, he stressed the need to establish a minimum standard for all healthcare facilities, ensuring that all citizens receive adequate treatment regardless of their financial position.
One of the critical areas of focus is the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The King urged authorities to expedite the establishment of a referral hospital equipped with a cancer treatment facility. Additionally, he called for regulatory reforms to facilitate local radiation therapy services, reducing dependence on treatment abroad.
Eswatini is also exploring the possibility of establishing pharmaceutical manufacturing industries to reduce reliance on imported medicines. The King emphasized that such investments would not only improve healthcare but also create job opportunities in the medical sector.
The nation looks forward to these reforms as they promise a healthier and more resilient population.