Eswatini's Parliament has raised concerns about the potential impact of drought on patients in the country. Shiselweni I MP Shawnette Henwood questioned whether hospitals can support patients facing food shortages during a possible drought. She raised the concern during a debate on the Ministry of Health's second-quarter performance report. Henwood asked if the ministry had made preparations for a possible El Niño-related drought and its effects on patients who depend on medication.
Henwood warned that food shortages could leave some patients taking medication without eating. She recalled that the ministry previously provided food to some patients and asked why the programme had ended. The MP wanted to know what assistance would be available if drought conditions made it difficult for patients to obtain food. Her concerns were echoed by other MPs who emphasized the need for the ministry to prepare for potential drought-related challenges.
MPs also raised concerns about access to cancer treatment. Henwood said patients who underwent cancer screening needed timely assistance after diagnosis. She pointed to a backlog of cases involving patients awaiting support from the Phalala Fund and called for intervention. The MP's concerns highlight the need for improved healthcare services in Eswatini, particularly in the face of potential drought-related challenges.
In addition to concerns about patient nutrition and cancer treatment, MPs also called for dialysis services to be decentralized. They argued that patients requiring dialysis should not have to travel long distances for treatment. Some MPs reported personally contributing towards the monthly treatment costs of certain patients. They urged the Ministry of Health to decentralize dialysis services to make them more accessible to patients.
Health Minister Mduduzi Matsebula responded to the concerns, stating that dialysis machines would begin operating at more hospitals later in the month. He also addressed the issue of antivenom availability, which was raised by several MPs. Sithobelweni MP Vincent Sihlongonyane and Nkomiyahlaba MP Mantunta Dlamini called for antivenom to be available at all public hospitals, citing concerns about snakebites during hot weather.
The Ministry of Health is also working to implement a Cabinet-approved allowance increase for bagcugcuteli, who provide healthcare services in communities. However, the implementation has been delayed due to discussions between the health and finance ministries. Minister Matsebula cited the absence of legislation governing the work of bagcugcuteli as a challenge. The ministry is working to resolve the matter and provide greater support and empowerment to bagcugcuteli.
Other issues raised in Parliament included the regulation of an oncology centre in Manzini and progress on the Cannabis Bill. Somntongo MP Sandile Nxumalo questioned whether the oncology centre operated under appropriate local regulations. He also welcomed progress on the Cannabis Bill, which has attracted considerable interest. The bill is expected to bring investment and economic benefits to the country.
Key points
- Eswatini's Parliament raises concerns about the potential impact of drought on patients in the country.
- MPs call for decentralized dialysis services to make them more accessible to patients.
- The Ministry of Health is working to implement a Cabinet-approved allowance increase for bagcugcuteli.
