STRENGTHEN THE HEALTH SECTOR OF ESWATINI

Sir,

In the past few months, we have seen many COVID-19-related deaths of emaSwati. While they may have been infected, the fact remains that they would have survived if our hospitals were up to standard. Because of the hospitals being dysfunctional, many have lost their lives unnecessarily over the years. Rich and influential individuals are also becoming victims because the pandemic has essentially halted medical tourism to developed countries. The rich can no longer fly out of the country for medical treatment as they used to. The COVID-19 pandemic should be providing an opportunity to make our hospitals work for everyone. Many people died because of delayed treatments, particularly caused by lack of a functional medical emergency management system in the country.

Looting

The pandemic would have been managed better by government, but unfortunately it has allowed the looting of public funds. And how can we justify spending two thirds of the total 2021 budget on security when we have a pandemic? There is another E200 million lying idle that is now knocked up and down like a football which could be used to revive the health sector and fix hospitals. We are told that this money is for the procurement of a vaccine. COVID-19 is real and it must be contained. But it’s not the only dangerous disease in Eswatini.

Response

In the country, cancer, pregnancy-related diseases and road accidents, among others, kill many people every year. Therefore, a disproportionate use of the nation’s scarce resources for the largely ineffective COVID-19 response, while the weak health sector keeps failing people, is unjustifiable to say the least. The E200 million should rather be used to strengthen primary healthcare and help local researchers to manufacture vaccines and other health commodities. This pandemic provides a golden opportunity for strengthening Eswatini’s health sector. I believe the people of Eswatini can help change the narrative we have, take the responsibility to hold our leaders accountable and drive the change we desire.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: