MBABANE:Russell Mmiso Dlamini, the Prime Minister(PM) of the Kingdom of eSwatini says,Government spends about R2.6billion annually on the health sector adding that, at least R700million is used to acquire pharmaceuticals.
In a public statement released this week amid shortage of drugs in public hospitals triggered by uncontrolled looting, the PM said government “is working towards” addressing the health crisis.
“The Nation is informed that Government has taken drastic steps to resolve the prevailing health crisis triggered by the shortage of drugs in the Government health system. On Monday 27 November 2023, Cabinet convened and directed the following; 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 disbursement system to monitor and exert control on the supply chain,” said the PM.
The Prime Minister further mentioned that, Cabinet resolved that, the Royal Eswatini Police Service(REPS) will intensify investigation of any corrupt practice by service providers and Government employees,throughout the entire supply chain of pharmaceuticals with the intention to punish offenders.
“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,” said the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini.