MALIBENI – The Republic of China (Taiwan), through the Taiwan Medical Mission, has offered free medical services to 377 people under the Mhlangatane Inkhundla.
The medical outreach, which was held at Malibeni, provided comprehensive medical screenings, consultations and free medication for community members.
Alongside healthcare interventions, the visiting delegation incorporated agricultural education and food assistance to address underlying nutritional challenges. Taiwan also donated wheelchairs, walking sticks and 600 five-kilogramme bags of rice to patients completing their medical check-ups.
Secretary at the Taiwan Embassy Janice Tu stated the importance of equal access to medical care for all citizens.
“Healthcare should not be limited by distance or geography,” she said. She stated that to achieve this, the initiative extends beyond short-term visits by linking rural communities to hospital networks, specialist care and telemedicine.
Tu said that through secure digital technology, healthcare professionals in Eswatini conduct regular video consultations with medical specialists at Taipei Medical University Hospital in Taiwan.
She mentioned that these virtual clinics cover key specialities including paediatrics, dermatology, nephrology and endocrinology, saving patients from undertaking long and costly journeys abroad. Tu added that local medical teams assist throughout the online consultations, ensuring that patient health records and privacy remain fully protected. She said that for patients requiring further diagnosis, advanced treatment or cancer care, direct referral pathways lead to the main clinical base at Manzini Government Hospital.
“The hospital is equipped with modern diagnostic facilities, including a CT scanner valued at approximately E20 million and supported by Taiwan, alongside dedicated services under the Cancer Care Project,” she said. She said members of the public seeking enquiries or direct contact regarding specialist outpatient clinics, telemedicine and cancer care services can reach the coordination base at 7920 3857. Tu reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to working alongside Eswatini to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and ensure more rural communities benefit from quality medical support.
Speaking during the outreach, Mhlangatane Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga expressed deep gratitude for the international support. He said it is a source of great joy that they were visited by doctors and medical teams from Taiwan who came to bring assistance to sick individuals and those who wish to get health check-ups. “They came fully equipped with all the necessary supplies to conduct all types of health screenings. Everything they brought to us today is completely free of charge,” he said. Highlighting the holistic approach of the visit, Mhlanga commended the inclusion of agricultural guidance and direct food aid to assist vulnerable households.
“Another significant thing we are deeply grateful for is that they came with a team focused on farming and agriculture, teaching our people about growing our own food as emaSwati.
They explained that poor nutrition and improper diets contribute significantly to the illnesses we face today. They are also teaching that farming can be a business; if you grow good crops, you can supply almost the entire region of Eswatini,” he said. Mhlanga also expressed his gratitude for the bags of rice that were distributed to the community members. Addressing the broader healthcare challenges in Mhlangatane, Mhlanga mentioned the long distances residents currently travel to reach standard health facilities, noting that the nearest government clinic sits approximately 15 kilometres away.
“Indeed, we face significant challenges regarding access to medical facilities in this area. The nearest government clinic is about 15 km away. The next option is at Mkhuzweni, which is a health centre or further out at Pigg’s Peak Government Hospital,” he said.
However, requests have been submitted to build another hospital or facility in Mphofu, though that depends on the upcoming year’s budget allocation.
Leave a comment