Times Of Swaziland: MPS PLEDGE TO SAVE TLC, HAIL ITS VITAL ROLE

MPS PLEDGE TO SAVE TLC, HAIL ITS VITAL ROLE
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Phiwase Phungwayo on 30/01/2025 10:01:00


SIDVOKODVO – Some MPs have expressed their unwavering support for TLC. They
pledged to do everything they can to ensure that government funding is directed
towards the institution to guarantee its continued operation. The Members of
Parliament (MPs)praised The Luke Commission (TLC) for the immense contribution
it has made to the healthcare of emaSwati, particularly providing high-quality
services free of charge. They also commended the dedication of the staff at the
facility, which are based at Sidvokodvo in the Manzini Region. The MPs’ visit
to the facility yesterday coincided with a time when individuals had recently
received Comprehensive and Restorative Eye Surgeries (CARES), a vital service
offered by TLC. However, the institution, which has been providing free
healthcare to thousands of emaSwati, recently announced that as of February 15,
2025, it would be halting several outpatient services for patients aged 50 and
older, as well as most inpatient services.
overwhelming
This decision was driven by the depletion of E30 million in relief funds. The
difficult choice was made amid overwhelming demand for TLC’s services, which
has consistently outstripped available resources. TLC is the only health
facility in Eswatini that meets First World standards, and it has become a
lifeline for many emaSwati who are guaranteed to receive all their
medication—unlike in other public health facilities. Futhie Ngcamphalala, the
Lubombo Region MP, expressed her deep appreciation for TLC’s work, stating
that words could not fully convey her gratitude for the exceptional service it
has provided over the years: “Why did you decide to come here and leave all
the other hospitals in the country?” she asked rhetorically, adding that there
was no need for an answer.
“We appreciate what you have done over the past 20 years. I first came here in
2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, when it was said that TLC was the
institution where patients didn’t survive. We knew that any liSwati who came
here would not return home. I had COVID-19 and even my family said their
goodbyes.” Ngcamphalala reflected on her own recovery, noting that TLC was the
only facility that had been able to assist her when other hospitals failed.
tirelessly
“Today, I am an MP, and I recovered here. We are fully aware of the challenges
you face, but for 20 years you have worked tirelessly. We have been chosen by
you to speak for you, and we will not let this facility close. The help we so
desperately need is here and we pledge to support you with everything we have as
parliamentarians,” she said. Ngcamphalala stressed that the MPs’ support was
not just for TLC, but for emaSwati. She mentioned that if as politicians fail to
secure the necessary funding, they would be failing emaSwati and would prove
that they did not love them.
Ngcamphalala assured the institution that they would do everything in their
power to ensure it receives the assistance it deserves. Peter Ngwenya, the MP
from Gebeni in the Ntondozi Inkhundla, also praised TLC for the life-changing
care it has been providing to patients. “This is not my first time visiting
TLC, and each time I come here I hear only good news from those who have
received care. As parliamentarians, we know that you deserve the help you
receive here. We are all too aware of the drugs shortage in our public health
facilities, and the support you get at TLC is much needed.
committed
We are committed to advocating for the limited government funds to be directed
here, so that TLC can continue providing free care, especially the vital medical
supplies that you need,” he said. In the same breath, Hope Shiba, the Nkhaba
MP, thanked TLC for continuously inviting MPs to witness the outstanding work of
the institution. He said they were impressed by the efforts made by TLC and
acknowledged the challenges the institution faces. “As MPs, we promise to
advocate for government funds to support TLC’s work, especially in providing
free eye treatments, heart treatments and various other medical services. We
hope that government could continue to invest in TLC to ensure that emaSwati
receive the care they need,” Shiba asserted. Nomkhosi Masuku, the Ludzeludze
MP, congratulated those who received treatment at TLC and shared her own
positive experience from a visit last year.
kindness
“I was bitten by a dog and received exceptional treatment here, despite the
staff not knowing I was an MP,” she recalled. “This is the kind of care that
helps patients recover. We truly appreciate the professionalism and kindness of
the staff at TLC.” Meanwhile, Manqoba Sihlongonyane, the MP for Sithobelweni,
expressed his ongoing support for TLC, noting that they had visited the facility
a year ago and were pleased to see that it was still providing the same
high-quality care.  He mentioned that they were determined to partner with TLC
because they knew that it provided invaluable help to emaSwati. “TLC may move,
but emaSwati will always be here, and we will do everything in our power to
ensure TLC continues its work,” he said.