THE LUKE COMMISSION CUTS FREE TREATMENT FOR ELDERLY

MBABANE – Big blow!    
The above statement best sums up the situation for thousands of emaSwati, including the elderly, who have for years relied on The Luke Commission (TLC) for free high-quality healthcare.TLC has announced a decision to pause several outpatient services for patients aged 50 and older, as well as most inpatient services. This will be effective February 15, 2025. One of the reasons for halting the services is the depletion of E30 million in relief funds.  This difficult choice comes amid the backdrop of an overwhelming demand, which has consistently surpassed the available resources. TLC is the only health facility that meets First World status in Eswatini and is flooded with many emaSwati as they are guaranteed to get all their medication, unlike the other public health facilities. In a statement released yesterday, TLC expressed their sorrow over this situation.

Saddened

“We are genuinely saddened to announce the halt of important outpatient services for our elderly patients and most inpatient services. Currently, the Miracle Campus Hospital is dedicated to providing care to over 700 patients each day, even on limited walk-in days.” This pause in services follows government’s provision of E30 million relief in the 2024/25 financial year, which, while appreciated, has now been exhausted. TLC had already scaled down some operations and made the tough decision to lay off staff to navigate these financial challenges.

TLC expressed gratitude for the temporary relief, which enabled them to fund prioritised programmes, including vital outpatient and inpatient care. However, with resources running out, they find themselves in a position where they must again pause services that are not funded. “There is a shared responsibility in sustaining the quality healthcare that we offer. Just as road construction relies on government funding, our ability to continue providing specialised medical care also depends on adequate financial support,” the statement emphasised. According to the statement, the Board of TLC passed a resolution in October 2023 to limit services in an effort to curb accumulating debt, a situation that has worsened since 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19, all while striving to ensure that no patient is turned away.

“Unfortunately, despite the E30 million relief that temporarily supported us, our financial strain began to escalate once more in November 2024, as we sought to prevent unnecessary loss of life. “Our management now finds itself with no other option but to adhere to the Board’s resolution,” the statement noted with deep concern. Despite these challenges, TLC remains committed to advocating for fair healthcare budget allocations. In 2023, TLC revealed that it accounted for 29 per cent of Eswatini’s outpatient visits and over 80 per cent of ICU/HDU admissions while receiving just one per cent of national healthcare funding. Additionally, the organisation highlighted that their data has historically been excluded from national reports, which hampers informed decision-making vital to the health of emaSwati.

Dedication

Amid these hardships, TLC extended heartfelt thanks to its 500 dedicated staff members who have shown immense resilience and dedication through unprecedented challenges, including the relentless COVID-19 crisis. TLC further expressed sincere appreciation to the minister for Health, the principal secretary in the Ministry for Health, and the Parliament Select Committee for their tireless efforts in seeking sustainable healthcare solutions. They also thank VIPs, parliamentarians, Cabinet ministers and numerous national leaders whose steadfast support has been crucial for the well-being of emaSwati during these tough times.

However, they acknowledge that persistent challenges at critical levels continue to hinder meaningful progress. Lindani Sifundza, the Director of Communications at TLC, shared the emotional weight of the decision to pause services. “This is a profoundly difficult moment for us, as we genuinely care for our elderly patients and all members of the emaSwati community. We firmly believe that no one should have to face the prospect of being turned away from essential healthcare. “We strongly encourage patients who need chronic medications - like those for diabetes and blood pressure - to visit TLC before February 15, 2025, so we can provide them with several months’ supply to help ease the impact of this situation,” he said. Since 2005, TLC has taken immense pride in delivering over 8.5 million health services across more than 1.4 million patient visits. In this time of uncertainty, TLC remains committed to serving the community with compassion and dedication.

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