Govt won’t invest in TLC, says PM

MBABANE – The Prime Minister (PM), Russell Dlamini, has clarified government’s stance on possible funding for The Luke Commission (TLC).

In response to a motion on addressing the health challenges facing the country, the PM tabled his responses through the Acting PM, Thulisile Dladla, in the House of Assembly yesterday.

This was where the premier revealed that investing in TLC would not be in the country’s interest. The PM said it is important that government protect the public health system and not divert or de-invest in the public health system by supporting private entities.

“Investing in the public health sector is supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO),” said the PM.

He further noted that government systems covered the whole country, not one or two tinkhundla as TLC.

This was in response to questions raised by Members of Parliament (MPs) in relation to TLC, with one MP raising a concern over what he described as an outcry from Nkwene constituents over the prevailing changes to the operations at TLC.

TLC has since re-opened following closure a few months ago owing to low donor funding, which has resulted in the introduction of consultation fees, whereas previously, the facility’s services were predominantly free.

The PM, elaborating on the matter, also mentioned that it is important for government to strengthen its public health and not support private entities that government has no control over.

 “This will later cause more problems which are costly. Government must put money into its own system and improve it. Any money that comes out of government to another health system means we are de-investing in our own health system,” he said.

Furthermore, he said government ought to follow the laws that Parliament passed in terms of transfers and utilisation of government funds.

Meanwhile, the premier has refuted a comparison made of him with deceased PM Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini.

This follows a remark by a legislator that the country remembered the deceased premier for his development of the renal unit at Mbabane Government Hospital.

It was said the incumbent PM would be remembered as a hero if he were to solve the current health crisis.

To this, the premier responded by highlighting that the target for government and in particular his office, was not a legacy, but service to the people.

Full details in today’s paper.