Over 400 residents from Mahlangatsha Inkhundla received free medical services on Saturday, thanks to the Taiwan Medical Mission and Taiwan Embassy in Eswatini.
The outreach took place at Ekuphakameni Central High School and was led by Minister at the Taiwan Embassy Ching-Lin Tsuei. The team comprised more than 10 medical professionals, including doctors, nurses and health experts.
In total, 497 individuals were attended to during the day.
This initiative is part of the Taiwan Medical Mission’s ongoing efforts, conducted twice a month across various constituencies, especially in rural areas with limited access to healthcare.
Tsuei reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to supporting Eswatini through healthcare, infrastructure development and food security, while also strengthening bilateral relations.
He highlighted that in addition to providing free consultations, check-ups, ultrasounds, treatment and medication, the outreach included on-site health education workshops aimed at promoting preventative care.
“To further support the community, everyone who attended the outreach received a 5kg bag of rice to share with their families,” said Tsuei.
He also informed attendees about loan programs available through the embassy for women and youth in rural areas.
Mahlangatsha Member of Parliament Mgucisi Dlamini expressed gratitude to the Republic of China (Taiwan), noting the significant impact of the outreach.
“We truly appreciate this initiative because the nearest clinic being Sibovu Clinic, is 9 to 10 km away. Many residents cannot afford transport.
“Even those who manage to reach the hospital often don’t receive medication due to the ongoing national shortages. This outreach has greatly benefited our people and we appeal to government to consider building a clinic in our area, as land has already been set aside for this purpose.
The next closest clinics are 30 km away,” he said
Community member Zelda Mavimbela described the outreach as a first-of-its-kind experience for Mahlangatsha.
“I didn’t know the Taiwan Embassy was conducting such initiatives. Had I known, I would have attended earlier sessions in neighboring constituencies,” she said.
