BY MUKELO MAGAGULA
MBABANE- Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi, cut the sod at a clinic construction site in Ntondozi, in the Manzini Region.
The project is financed by Taiwan and phase one will cost approximately E10.4 Million.
Taiwan Ambassador H.E Jeremy Liang pledging his support during the sod cutting of the Ntondozi health centre.
The launch was conducted on Thursday.
“Sustainable Development Goal 3 emphasises the need to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Therefore, His Majesty’s Government is committed to fulfilling this goal by making sure that every community accesses health services closer so as to cut unnecessary costs and delays in getting basic primary health care,” the minister said.
The launch of the clinic comes as part of a broader initiative by the government to improve healthcare facilities across the country. Officials identified the need for improved healthcare in these areas as rural citizens often have to travel significant distances to access medical care.
Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, also Ntondozi Member of Parliament, making his remarks during the sod cutting of Ntondozi Health Centre.
The minister stated that Ntondozi has the highest number of population in the Manzini region.
“Ntondozi is one of the 16 constituencies in the Manzini region, a region with the highest population in the country at 355 945 people, according to the 2017 census. The Ntondozi population is at 14 810 of the total population, distributed in seven chiefdoms,” she said.
She continued: “Health facilities in the Inkhundla include Gebeni and Khalangilile clinics which are in a dire state of repair and maintenance. The nearest Government hospital for referral is the Mankanyane Government Hospital, which is a bit far at approximately 30km away. Unfortunately, this area has not been provided with a health service outreach.”
“The Ministry of Health is very grateful for the site positioning as it is not only accessible but also more central. This will allow catchment areas (the 7 chiefdoms) to access all the health services upon completion,” the minister said.
Representative of the Manzini Regional Administrator, Gcina Dlamini, delivering his opening remarks during the Ntondozi clinic sod cutting.
The construction of the clinic is already being met with enthusiasm from local communities. Many have expressed gratitude for the opening of a healthcare facility that will allow them to receive medical care without having to travel long distances.
This initiative is just one of many that the government has planned to improve healthcare facilities across the country, and the Ministry has stated that they are committed to working towards ensuring high-quality healthcare for all citizens.
The Ministry believes that the availability of this facility will reduce the distance travelled by patients for maternal cases thereby reducing the maternal mortality complications and mortalities that the country is still battling with. Eswatini has maintained a diplomatic relationship with Taiwan since 1968. Taiwan is one of the very few countries that still diplomatically recognize Eswatini as an independent sovereign nation.
The relationship between Eswatini and Taiwan has been characterized as one of mutual respect and cooperation in various fields, including agriculture, education, health, and technology. In recent years, the relationship between the two countries has come under increasing pressure due to China’s efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically. Despite the pressure from China, Eswatini has stood firm in its commitment to maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
