By Themba Zwane
NTFONJENI – His Majesty King Mswati III says he is still awaiting a detailed report from a committee tasked with investigating allegations of stolen medical drugs within the country’s health facilities.
The King made the remarks on Monday, 9 March 2026, at Ntfonjeni Inkhundla, where he toured and officially opened the Esicancweni Setemphilo health facility, a development expected to enhance access to healthcare services for communities in the area.
Addressing the gathering, His Majesty expressed concern over reports that medical drugs were allegedly stolen from the Central Medical Stores (CMS) in recent years, a situation that has contributed to shortages in health facilities across the country.
“I am currently awaiting a detailed report from the relevant committee as I had instructed them to investigate the issue of drugs being stolen at health facilities,” said the King.
His Majesty noted that he found it troubling that medicines stored in large quantities inside boxes could allegedly be removed without anyone being held accountable.
However, the King emphasized that the country remains committed to addressing the problem decisively, strengthening accountability and ensuring that the health system is restored to full efficiency.
Meanwhile, the Auditor General (AG), Timothy Matsebula, recently uncovered procurement irregularities within the Ministry of Health relating to the purchase and management of pharmaceuticals.
According to Matsebula’s Audit Report on the Medical Drugs Trading Account – Pharmaceuticals for the financial year ending 31 March 2025, the ministry used expired tenders from the 2023/2024 financial year to procure pharmaceuticals and medical supplies valued at E9,933,573.80.
The report further indicates that the items were delivered after the close of the financial year.
The Auditor General stated that the tenders were not supported by any authority extending them into the following financial year, which contravenes Section 25 of the Public Procurement Regulations of 2020, requiring tender validity periods to be clearly defined and extended only under exceptional circumstances.
Matsebula also reported the accumulation of expired medical stock worth more than E11 million, highlighting the need for stronger procurement oversight and improved stock management in the health sector.
The opening of the Esicancweni Setemphilo health facility forms part of ongoing national efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve service delivery across communities.
