By Bongiwe Dlamini

MBABANE: “The Central Medical Stores(CMS) will soon be transformed into a parastatal and the United States Agency for International Development(USAID) is assisting in this regard”, Alpheous Nxumalo, the Government Spokesperson has disclosed through a statement sent to this Swaziland News on Thursday.

The statement was addressing among others, the ongoing health crisis and what government was doing to address the challenges facing the health sector.

It has been disclosed that over R127 million has been paid to suppliers and, according to the press statement, drugs are gradually being delivered.

“The CMS, working with the USAID Global Health Supply Chain - Procurement and Supply Management,have invested effort in improving the operations of the CMS warehouse. A mission is currently with the CMS to address key interventions which will bring about efficiencies in operations of the CMS. Cabinet Decision on Parastatilisation of the CMS

In August 2023, Cabinet approved, in principle, the transformation of the CMS from a department within the Ministry of Health to a semi-autonomous parastatal under the Ministry. A legal instrument establishing the new entity, comprehensively defining the functions of the new entity, will be developed in collaboration with key stakeholders. The Government constituted a task team to oversee the transformation of the CMS. The World Bank, Global Fund and USAID have committed to support the transformation process.The Luke Commission is a critical service provider in the health sector. Government appreciates the long-standing support from TLC. The Luke Commission has indicated that due to financial reasons, they will scale down their support. Government, through the leadership of the Acting Prime Minister, has met with the Management of TLC several times to explore possible support from Government and donors. The country is aware of the challenges faced by The Luke Commission and is exploring ways for possible partnership, including the Oxygen plant owned by The Luke Commission”, reads the press statement in part.