BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) reported that they had attended to 89,210 patients in all their health facilities during the 2024/25 financial year.
This was revealed during the annual performance debate of the Ministry of Defence and National Security, where senators who are members of the Ministry’s portfolio committee received the information.
The senators were informed that the influx of patients seeking various treatments at Phocweni and other UEDF health facilities continues to rise, with the facilities receiving an average of not less than 200 patients daily. This revelation was further validated by the 2024/25 annual performance report of the Ministry.
According to the report, the out-patient services embrace all diseases diagnosed during general out-patient visits and prescribe medical care or treatment that does not require a hospital stay. Out-patient healthcare services are offered in all military health facilities.
The UEDF Military Health Service functions as a backup and complementary service to the National Health Service, aiming to build capacity and the scope of services offered by UEDF Health Service. Through the nine operational military health facilities, the Military Health Service provides comprehensive prevention, care, treatment, and support to military personnel, their families, and the general public accessing these facilities. The report aims to highlight performance results, appreciate the government’s efforts, and acknowledge the partners whose joint efforts have improved the facility.
It also aims to highlight activities, achievements, and recommendations for the year. The UEDF continues to maintain good relations with the Ministry of Health, the Public Sector HIV/AIDS Coordinating Committee (PSHACC), and the National Emergency Response Council on HIV and AIDS (NERCHA), which assist in mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS.
The HIV/AIDS programme continues to receive support from the United States Department of Defence (US DoD) and is effectively collaborating with the implementing partner, University Research Corporation (URC). Through this partnership, the UEDF has managed to achieve substantial support. With the assistance of their implementing partner, URC, the UEDF has constructed accommodation facilities for 48 medical staff. Additionally, a change room for the incinerator has been built.
Furthermore, two AIDS clinics have been established at the Zombodze unit and the Ministry of Defence. The UEDF expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support received from the Ministry of Health, which has greatly assisted in compliance with national guidelines, including those pertaining to COVID-19. The Ministry of Health has also significantly contributed to the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) through the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA).
