MBABANE:Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini met Government suppliers on Wednesday at the Cabinet Offices in an effort to resolve the ongoing health crisis.
Government online platforms reported that, the aim of the meeting was to understand and appreciate the challenges that health suppliers face.
“Our health sector cannot thrive without strategic partnerships.We want suppliers to see themselves as partners, not as beggars. We want timely payments on our side and timely delivery on yours. This relationship must be built on trust and mutual commitment.We have declared the shortage of essential drugs a national crisis.It is unacceptable.We are taking decisive action, and we invite you to the planning table to help us find lasting solutions. Let us end this problem together.We are not inviting you to bid for tenders, we are inviting you to build a legacy of health and wellbeing for all emaSwati,”said the Prime Minister.
The PM said, recently he stood before Parliament and addressed a grave national concern: the persistent and dangerous shortages of essential medications in our public health institutions.
“I stated clearly that this is not merely a logistical failure; it is a crisis that has endangered lives, eroded public trust, and undermined our commitment to universal health coverage.I was blunt about the causes, and I must be equally blunt with you, our partners,” he said.
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini(pic:Gov).