MBABANE: Alpheous Nxumalo, the Government Spokesperson says, over R127million has been paid to suppliers within the Ministry of Health adding that, the widely reported drugs shortage crisis was being gradually addressed.
In a public statement sent to this Swaziland News on Thursday morning, the Government Spokesperson said, the new developments come subsequent to recommendations by a Cabinet Sub-Committee that was mandated to find a solution into the crisis.
The Sub-Committee include among others, the then Finance Minister Neal Rijikernberg, Agriculture Minister Jabulani ‘Buy Cash’ Mabuza, Commerce Minister Mancoba Khumalo and Health Minister Lizzie Nkosi.
“The Sub-Committee further sought to improve relationships with suppliers by addressing the outstanding payments to suppliers. Government, through the Ministry of Health, is in constant communication with suppliers on payments and the situation has improved with over E127million paid to suppliers. The outstanding amounts are known between suppliers and the Ministry of Health and discussions are ongoing to clear all outstanding debt.Following the end of term of the administration, the Principal Secretaries in the relevant Ministries, led by the Secretary to Cabinet, have taken over this oversight role and the meetings for feedback continue to be held on a weekly basis.The payment to suppliers remains a priority intervention,” reads the statement in part, released by the Government Spokesperson.
Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo.