BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – If Mbabane Government Hospital is to be improved to be at its expected standard, it has to start with six areas that need urgent attention.
This transpired yesterday afternoon (Monday, August 5, 2024) when Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula visited the Government hospital. According to information sourced from the Ministry of Health, the minister visited the health facility, following reports of rats terrorising clients at the children’s ward (Ward 6) and security concerns registered by clients. The Minister visited the hospital in the company of some senior Ministry of Health officials.
1. Children’s Ward (Ward 6) – The Minister has highlighted that there is a need to deal with the rodents that are causing havoc in the ward and also create space so that the ward is not overcrowded. “This is a national referral hospital and it should lead by example. Having rodents roaming freely inside a hospital ward is unacceptable by any standards, and something has to be done urgently. There is a need to look at available means within our systems to exterminate the rodents. The management also has to find a way to decongest the children’s ward to allow for fumigation,” the Minister said.
2. Hospital Surroundings – The Minister has noted that the surroundings have arears which are possible breeding ground for rats and other pests. “Dealing with the rats in Ward 6 will not be enough. The surroundings also have to be cleared of any rubble and bushy arears because this is where the rats breed. This will ensure that we deal with the matter on all fronts.”
3. Kitchen – The Minister has noted that the kitchen needs to be refurbished so that patients will be assured that they eat healthy and safe food.
4. Laundry – The Minister went to check the equipment being used at the unit and the services that it provides. The Minister noted that some machinery needed to be serviced to enable the workers to work efficiently.
5. Renal Dialysis Unit – The Minister has noted that patients did not have a waiting/holding area. “The current conditions to which the patients are subject at the moment are inhumane. “The management has to find a place within the facility which can be repurposed and be temporarily turned into a waiting area for the patients. The Ministry will then look into a permanent solution to this matter so that renal dialysis clients enjoy a comfortable environment as they wait to undergo treatment,” Minister Matsebula said.
6. Security Concerns – The Minister has told the head of the security personnel that they should ensure that the hospital wards are safe, particularly at night, and making sure that people do not have access to the wards after visiting hours. The Minister said, “I would like to commend your team for having apprehended the culprit who had stolen items belonging to clients. It is wonderful that the property of our clients was returned to them, but such should not happen again.”
