ONLY 20 UNDERGO DIALYSIS; MINISTER LEARNS THROUGH MEDIA

MBABANE – Due to interruptions at the Mbabane Government Hospital Renal Unit, only 20 patients were able to undergo dialysis.
Others were turned back, following the revelation that there were no supplies. While patients arrived in numbers to access services as usual, they said they were informed by the matron that the hospital had run out of the critical medical supplies necessary for dialysis sessions, which include smart bags. They said the matron told them that she was not aware when the supplies would be delivered.The patients, who were able to undergo dialysis, were saved by the intervention of the Minister of Health, Mduduzi Matsebula, who visited the hospital yesterday morning. Matsebula visited the hospital after being contacted by the media on Monday evening, informing him that dialysis services would be suspended following the shortage of certain supplies.

Situation

During the visit, Matsebula stated that he was not aware of the situation, which is not good at all, adding that the ministry is engaging with the staff at the hospital to inform him of challenges timeously and not only when the situation is getting out of hand.He noted that the situation could have been avoided, saying that if he had been informed in time, he could have taken measures to bring the situation under control and, if possible, requested assistance elsewhere.  “Even government is surprised that things have escalated to this extent, yet I have not reported anything.”

Additionally, he stated that they were considering decentralising the renal services to Pigg’s Peak and Siteki, to bring the services closer to the people.  This, he said, would also alleviate the load from Mbabane Government Hospital. Matsebula expressed hope that the situation would soon be addressed, adding that they are also looking for ways to assist those with medical aid to enable them to receive the services.Matsebula said this to the appreciation of patients, who thanked him for intervening. He encouraged the patients to speak up about areas where they want improvements in services, assuring them that the ministry would try by all means to ensure that they are not adversely affected.In response to the minister, Eswatini Renal Association Treasurer Vikinduku Mdluli, who has been undergoing dialysis for the past 15 years, stated that they would await their dialysis sessions following the minister’s promise.
Mdluli expressed hope that those who had left would be informed that the supplies were now available. He appreciated Matsebula’s assurance to address the matter. He added that their concern was that this was not happening for the first time.

The treasurer noted that this seemed to be happening repeatedly and that it also happened about three weeks ago. Mdluli asked whether the ministry could maintain stock levels that were slightly higher than usual, to avoid a similar situation in the future.The minister acknowledged that Mdluli’s points were valid, adding that he was also engaging with his staff to prevent the situation from recurring. He updated the patients that there had been a change in the companies they worked with, which contributed to their uncertainty about whom to engage.  The minister stated that they were, however, not expecting that the service they were receiving would affect the patients or become disrupted and stop.  “We are trying by all means to ensure that patients receive assistance and urge your patience; do not leave, as you will be attended to,” the minister said.

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