LOBAMBA – The King has spoken!
His Majesty King Mswati III has issued a strong directive that drug shortages in public health facilities, which have for some time had negative impact on patient care, as well as significant financial implications, should stop now. His Majesty King Mswati III issued the directive yesterday when he delivered the Speech from The Throne during the Official Opening of the Third Session of the 12th Parliament.
Notably, the issue is one that dominated the submissions that were made by emaSwati during Sibaya in November 2023 and even though government has put in effort to resolve it, concerns keep creeping in. His Majesty said everyone is aware that a productive nation is a healthy nation.
He said achieving a healthy nation is an enormous task and that he has heard the major outcry over drug shortages in the country’s health facilities. “As the government is currently working to resolve this issue, we wish to state that from now onwards, these drug shortages should stop now. We must ensure that every liSwati that seeks medical treatment must find the necessary drugs when they arrive at a health facility needing immediate attention,” the King said.
He mentioned that all means possible should be employed to avert this challenge in the future.
The King said this experience must provide valuable lessons on the strategies required for a sustainable drug sourcing and supply chain for our health sector. “We need effective long-term plans that span the next 40 to 50 years to ensure our future generations find our systems and structures operating efficiently and effectively,” the King said.
Worth nothing is that even last year, His Majesty spoke strongly about the shortage of drugs in health facilities. He said while the country has programmes in the health sector, there was a need to improve on providing affordable health care, which caters for all emaSwati.
The King said as part of the country’s transformation going forward, there was a need to have a minimum standard for all our hospitals and clinics with regards to availability of essential equipment, drugs and facilities so that everyone will receive treatment regardless of their financial position. He also said that affordable healthcare means no one should be turned away due to lack of resources.
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Nation urged to embrace ‘Agape love’
LOBAMBA – His Majesty King Mswati III has called on the nation to embrace 2026 as a year of ‘Agape love’, urging citizens to practise the highest form of unconditional and sacrificial love in their daily lives.
Agape love is a Greek term used to describe the highest form of love — one that is unconditional, selfless and sacrificial. It is not based on feelings, attraction or personal benefit.
Instead, it is a deliberate choice to care for and value others, even when it is difficult or when nothing is received in return. In Christian teaching, Agape love is often used to describe God’s love for humanity, which is unconditional and forgiving.
It is also about love for one’s neighbour, regardless of differences or disagreements. In the Speech from the Throne delivered yesterday in Parliament, the King encouraged emaSwati to reflect deeply on their values and recommit themselves to serving one another and the country with sincerity and integrity.
Describing Agape love as selfless and unwavering, His Majesty said the year should be defined by compassion, unity and a willingness to put the needs of others before personal gain.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
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