Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula has vowed to fight to end the drug shortage affecting public health facilities in the kingdom.
He emphasised that he would be taking Mswati III’s guidance to government and the health sector “as is” and run with it.
The minister’s comments follow the King’s Speech from the Throne delivered during the official opening of the Third Session of the 12th Parliament on Friday.
Matsebula began by expressing gratitude to His Majesty for the clear direction given to government and the health sector.
In his address, the king reminded the nation that “a productive nation is a healthy nation,” while acknowledging the enormous task of achieving this goal.
He highlighted the major outcry over drug shortages in health facilities and ordered that such shortages must stop immediately.
The king directed that every Liswati seeking medical treatment should find the necessary drugs available at health facilities without delay.
He further stressed that all means possible must be employed to avert future shortages and that the experience should serve as a lesson in building a sustainable drug sourcing and supply chain.
Matsebula described His Majesty’s call as both an order and a source of encouragement, propelling the ministry to improve health service delivery.
He assured the public that plans to address the shortages would be put into motion swiftly to meet the expectations of citizens, healthcare workers and clients alike.
READ MORE | KING ORDERS IMMEDIATE END TO DRUGS SHORTAGE
Reflecting on progress, the minister noted that the situation had improved significantly since 2023.
At that time, the Central Medical Stores (CMS) had an order fill rate of only 30–40%, with many essential products out of stock.
Through aggressive procurement efforts, the rate has now risen to 70–80% for most products.
While proud of this milestone, Matsebula admitted that gaps remain, particularly in medical supplies and some essential medicines.
He called on all stakeholders in the supply chain, especially suppliers and procurement officials, to collaborate closely with the ministry to close these gaps.
“With collaboration and support, we will definitely bring an end to shortages of medical drugs and medical supplies in the foreseeable future,” Matsebula said, adding that his teams would work to finalise all outstanding tenders quickly.
