… CMS to be converted to a semi-autonomous Government institution for distribution of pharmaceuticals.
… Critical cases to be treated in the country.
… MoH to fill all vacant posts
BY KWANELE PRINCE TSABEDZE
MBABANE – “The Nation is informed that the Government has taken drastic steps to resolve the prevailing health crisis triggered by the shortage of drugs in the Government health system.”
This was announced by Prime Minister Russel Mmiso Dlamini recently when he took his first international diplomatic trip as Prime Minister. He left the country for Dubai on November 29, 2023 at 9.30 am.
However, the PM jetted off and later issued a press statement, revealing eight things the government will do to address the deteriorating health crisis quickly.
He said the Cabinet convened on Monday, November 27, and agreed on eight directives for the health sector.
The eight directives by the Cabinet are aimed at improving the Central Medical Stores (CMS), capacitating the Mbabane Government Hospital, and intensifying the prosecution of corruption in the drug supply chain, among others.
“The Ministry of Health must, with immediate effect, expedite the makeover of the Central Medical Stores (CMS), and its conversion to a semi-autonomous Government institution responsible for the acquisition, distribution, and disbursement of pharmaceuticals. The parastatal must have a world-class automated system to monitor and exert control on the entire supply chain,” said the PM.
“The new wing of the Mbabane Government Hospital, inclusive of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), will be operationalised for the provision of critical health services, eventually reducing the large outflow of Government resources through Phalala Fund,” further announced the PM.
The PM also announced that the Ministry of Health will fill critical vacant positions necessary to optimise the Mbabane Government Hospital as a referral hospital.
“Renal Dialysis is prioritised with an immediate allocation of funds for the payment of service providers, for continuity as well as to enable an expansion of this critical service,” further announced the Prime Minister.
He also revealed that the Department of Finance in the Ministry of Health will be immediately strengthened to be responsive and proficient and to meet the demands of the sector. Another change, he announced for the Ministry was that it would immediately intensify its strategic focus on preventative health by upscaling health promotion, as well as tackling the root causes of the identified major health problems. He also revealed that a Cabinet Subcommittee has been formed to meet daily to ensure that the turnaround is implemented until the crisis is resolved.
“His Majesty’s Government is confident that the urgent implementation of these interventions will bring relief to the current crisis and, therefore, implores the public for support in any way possible,” concluded the Prime Minister in his statement.
It is anticipated that the implementation of these directives by the Cabinet will go a long way in ensuring that the E2.6 billion health budget has optimum returns for the nation’s health dividend.
