SPECIAL HOSPITAL FOR INMATES- MINISTER MATSEBULA

MBABANE – In the absence of inmate wards in health facilities, the Minister for Health Mduduzi Matsebula has said as a long-term solution, the establishment of a free-standing hospital for HMCS was a necessity.

Matsebula was speaking during his visit at His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) Matsapha facility. He said since the destruction of the old security ward at the Mbabane Government Hospital, it has been difficult to find a suitable ward for admitting inmates who have undergone surgeries or are being treated for medical conditions.

“There is a need to establish a security ward in our health facilities to ensure that inmates receive secondary and tertiary care appropriately. A hospital for inmates will, in a sustainable manner, provide the full-range of secondary and tertiary services that are in demand. It will also avail job opportunities for many healthcare workers who are still unemployed,” Matsebula said.

During the tour, Matsebula was in the company of HMCS Commissioner General Lomakhosini Dlamini and other HMCS senior staff members. Currently, HMCS has 14 centres distributed all over the country, of which 12 have clinics. These clinics provide primary care services focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, treating of minor ailments and rehabilitative services.

Matsebula said this indicates that the institution prioritises the health of inmates. He said his ministry is in support of the provision of healthcare in these clinics and it has continued to share resources such as medication and other supplies and the training of health workers, among other activities.

He said preparedness for emergencies and epidemics is paramount for HMCS, as the world is experiencing challenges such as climate change and the emergence of epidemics, all which increase the vulnerability of the country’s health systems.

“We therefore encourage that even here at HMCS, preparedness for such is adopted. This does not only apply to your institution, but is an issue that is being considered for all healthcare settings in both the public and private sector. Let us ensure that isolation rooms are prepared and ready for those that may develop an infectious disease within our health institutions,” he said.

The Ministry of Health, according to Matsebula, is committed to the continued collaboration with HMCS as they consider every individual’s health as important, without discriminating against by race, gender,  geographical location or social situation. “Universal Health Coverage means that all people should have access to the health services they require, without suffering great financial strain while accessing them,” he added.

Previously, healthcare workers from HMCS clinics participated actively in trainings and integrated well with the rest of their colleagues in sharing knowledge and experiences. The Ministry has also collaborated well with HMCS during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Matsebula applauded HMCS for not having major spreads of COVID-19 within its centres despite the congregate nature of the living facilities within the institutions. HMCS healthcare workers were trained on COVID-19 preparedness and adhered strictly to the infection prevention protocols that were set-up during the response.

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