LOBAMBA – Will the conversion of the Central Medical Stores (CMS) into Eswatini Medical Supplies Agency (EMSA) bring the much-needed reforms in the health sector?
Or will it be a fertile ground for certain ‘big guns’ to secure business?
This is a question that was directed to the Minister for Health, Mduduzi Matsebula, by Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini during the debate of the Senate Portfolio Committee.
She started by saying: “I will be straight, as a country, we believe in the Ministry of Health. We would not be alive if it wasn’t for the wonderful job by the ministry. I am requesting the minister to give the nation confidence that with EMSA, drug shortages will be a thing of the past.”
She then mentioned that she was saying this because the pharmaceutical industry is big business.
“Those who end up having too much interest, it is not the pharmacists who wear glasses. Those are just chickens. There are bulls behind. That is why I am challenging the minister to give us the confidence,” he said.
She said the minister must state that with the establishment of EMSA, it will not be a case of giving power to the bulls.
“All we want is for the nation to have confidence that service delivery will be the best. I am happy that you are saying you have now appointed a Board. Even there, I am requesting that you give us confidence that it is made up of individuals who will look out for the interests of the citizens and the country. It will not be a Board that will focus on where the business goes,” she said.
The Senate president emphasised that she was talking because she had been there for years and had seen a lot.
She gave an example and said it would be unfortunate to celebrate a new Board when all the individuals will do is grant business to their friends and relatives.
Notably, when presenting his preamble at the start of the debate, the minister for Health outlined that the 2025/26 financial year marked a decisive turning point in strengthening governance frameworks and institutional reform across the health sector.
Foremost among these achievements, he said, was the enactment of the EMSA Act, which received Royal Assent in February 2026 and formally established EMSA as a semi-autonomous State-owned enterprise mandated to manage the procurement, warehousing and distribution of medicines and essential medical supplies across the national health system.
Notably, the minister shared an update on the progress that has been made in terms of getting EMSA to start operating and closing the CMS officially.
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Minister decries prolonged DC cases
LOBAMBA – Minister for Health Mduduzi Matsebula, has spoken strongly about prolonged disciplinary cases which affect service delivery.
The minister touched on this topic as he responded to questions and concerns raised during the Senate debate of the ministry’s portfolio committee yesterday.
Matsebula pointed out that the issue of employees remaining at home on full pay for extended periods is not unique to the Ministry of Health but affects multiple ministries.
He stressed the urgency of concluding these cases, stating that those found guilty should be dismissed, while those cleared should be allowed to return to work.
He described the current situation as unfair, both to the employees involved and to the public, as it results in individuals being paid without clarity on their employment status.
“We need to holistically address this problem and stop making it look like it affects only the Ministry of Health,” said the minister.
In responding to other concerns, Matsebula addressed calls for the integration of traditional and Western medicine.
He acknowledged a public sentiment that the two should complement each other.
He explained that the issue is covered in the Health Act of 2023 which the ministry is in the process of unpacking through extensive consultations.
He emphasised that this is a complex piece of legislation that requires a phased approach, with particular attention also being given to sensitive issues such as the regulation of the harvesting of human body parts.
He assured that significant progress is expected within the year as the ministry develops the necessary subordinate legislation.
On broader public health concerns, the minister stressed the need for collective responsibility in tackling social ills affecting the nation.
He noted that improving health outcomes goes beyond clinical interventions and requires the involvement of communities, including parents, pastors and other stakeholders.
Regarding non-compliance among pharmacy operators, the minister acknowledged the issue and indicated that government will take corrective action.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini in Parliament yesterday, after the Senate Portfolio Committee Debate of the Ministry of Health. (Pic: Ntombi Mhlongo)