The Ministry of Health in Eswatini has reported that over E88 million released for capital projects remained unspent during the reporting period. According to figures presented to Parliament, only E12.6 million of more than E101 million released for capital projects had been spent, representing less than 13% of the released funds. This has raised concerns about the ministry's financial management.
Matsanjeni South MP Sabelo Ndlangamandla questioned the ministry's financial management during the debate on the ministry's performance report. He expressed concerns about the difference between funds released for capital development and the amount spent during the reporting period. Ndlangamandla urged the government to prioritize capital projects, citing their potential to stimulate economic activity and create employment opportunities for emaSwati.
The Ministry of Health's performance report also highlighted issues with medicine availability at public health facilities. Patients travel long distances, only to find prescribed medicines unavailable. Ndlangamandla raised concerns about patients with non-communicable diseases who travel up to 48 kilometers for treatment, only to be turned away without their medication. He called on the Ministry of Health to prioritize medicines for chronic conditions and improve their availability at public facilities.
LaMgabhi MP Sicelo Jele and Manzini Region MP Thandeka Mavuso also raised concerns about shortages of medicines for non-communicable diseases at public hospitals. Mavuso asked Health Minister Mduduzi Matsebula whether patients could expect quality treatment and receive all their prescribed medicines when visiting public hospitals. She also questioned why cancer patients continued to seek treatment in neighboring countries when the ministry had reported that cancer treatment was available locally.
Minister Matsebula responded to the concerns, stating that medicine supplies at public hospitals had improved. However, he acknowledged that the ministry had performed poorly in the previous quarter and faced cash-flow shortages. The Phalala Fund, which assists patients with costs associated with traveling abroad for treatment, continued to face high demand despite its insufficient budget.
Matsebula also addressed specific issues, such as the shortage of diabetes treatment injections. He explained that one of three types of injections was in short supply, while the other two remained available. The ministry had purchased the unavailable type but faced problems with the cold-chain arrangements required for its use. Additionally, Matsebula announced that dialysis machines would begin operating later in the month.
The Ministry of Health's unspent funds and medicine shortages have significant implications for the country's healthcare system. The government's priority on capital projects and medicine availability will be crucial in addressing these challenges. The Ministry of Health must provide a plan to utilize the unspent funds and address the concerns raised by MPs to ensure that emaSwati receive quality healthcare.
Key points
- The Ministry of Health in Eswatini has over E88 million in unspent funds for capital projects.
- Only 13% of released funds for capital projects have been utilized.
- Medicine shortages, particularly for non-communicable diseases, remain a significant challenge in Eswatini's public health facilities.
