KING MSWATI PLEDGES IMPROVED HEALTHCARE AMID ONGOING CRISIS
King Mswati III has announced plans to ensure that every liSwati has access to quality healthcare without financial or service-related barriers. Delivering his speech from the Throne during the official opening of the first session of the 12th Parliament at Lobamba-Nkhanini on Friday afternoon, the King outlined the government’s commitment to strengthening Eswatini’s health sector and addressing the country’s ongoing health crisis.
“The Kingdom’s national goal is for every liSwati to have access to quality healthcare as and when they need it without financial or service difficulty. This is in line with the People’s call at Sibaya to improve service delivery. The country wants a people who are healthy, productive, and have a high life expectancy,” Mswati stated.
The King urged the government to expedite plans to mobilize resources for the construction of a referral hospital, a promise made by the “friends of the kingdom.” He emphasized that this process should begin in the next financial year to address the urgent healthcare needs of the nation. “No liSwati should die from lack of proper health services,” he said.
The King’s remarks come against the backdrop of a worsening health crisis in Eswatini. Public hospitals have faced chronic shortages of drugs and medical supplies, leaving patients without access to essential care. Hundreds of lives have been lost due to the failures in the health system, which has become a flashpoint for criticism from citizens and human rights organizations alike.
While the King’s speech presents an optimistic vision for the future, it contrasts sharply with the realities on the ground. Reports of overcrowded hospitals, a lack of specialized care, and delayed government action have fueled public frustration. The crisis has also been exacerbated by allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the Ministry of Health and suppliers such as SwaziPharm.
A recent investigation into the health crisis implicated SwaziPharm Director Kareem Ashraff in alleged misconduct related to the distribution of expired drugs and mismanagement of public funds. Moves by Ashraff to challenge the findings of the investigation have further complicated efforts to address the crisis, with many citizens questioning the accountability of those involved.
Critics argue that while the King’s call for improved healthcare is commendable, real change will require systemic reforms, transparent governance, and significant investment in infrastructure and human resources. The proposed referral hospital, while a step forward, will only address part of the problem if existing issues such as drug shortages and staff shortages are not resolved.
Healthcare workers have also raised concerns about their working conditions and the lack of support from the government. Nurses, doctors, and other medical staff have staged strikes and protests in recent months, demanding better pay, improved facilities, and a reliable supply of essential medicines.
The King’s speech has sparked mixed reactions, with some welcoming the renewed focus on healthcare and others expressing skepticism about the government’s ability to deliver on these promises. For many Swazis, the gap between rhetoric and reality remains a significant barrier to trust in the system.
As Eswatini grapples with its healthcare challenges, the success of the King’s vision will depend on the government’s willingness to prioritize the health sector and address the underlying issues. Mobilizing resources, tackling corruption, and ensuring accountability at all levels will be critical in transforming the country’s health system into one that serves all citizens equitably.
The ongoing health crisis has underscored the urgency of action. For the people of Eswatini, the hope is that the King’s words will translate into tangible improvements that save lives and restore faith in the nation’s healthcare system. Until then, the struggle for accessible and quality healthcare continues to define the daily reality for many Swazis.
