Swazi Observer

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GOVT INTERROGATING HEALTH SECTOR CHALLENGES

By SITHEMBILE HLATSHWAYO | 2025-01-22

Government continues to interrogate the prevailing challenges faced by the health sector and has implemented strategies to address the shortages of drugs and other serious issues affecting the sector.

This was shared by the Prime Minister (PM) Russell Mmiso Dlamini when making his remarks during the 2025 Cabinet retreat, held at Royal Villas yesterday.

Dlamini noted that the Central Medical Stores (CMS) was currently under review to ensure that drugs reach citizens while eliminating opportunities for pilferage.

Tackle
He also indicated that government would aggressively tackle the inefficiencies present in the procurement system.

Dlamini acknowledged that the current procurement system significantly hindered service delivery and required urgent reform.

He stated that a review of the procurement system needed to be completed within the first quarter of this financial year.

Furthermore, he added that education was another sector that had received the full attention of Cabinet, expressing anticipation for a report from the task team assigned to identify and propose solutions to the challenges confronting the University of Eswatini (UNESWA).

“Cabinet is aware of the difficulties faced by the flagship University of Eswatini (UNESWA) and has committed to resolving the existing challenges,” he said.

PM happy with economy’s
positive trajectory

PRIME Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has expressed satisfaction in noting that the country's economy is on a positive trajectory, reflecting market confidence in both the economy and government.

Dlamini stated that the projected eight per cent economic growth for the 2025/2026 fiscal year inspired confidence that the targeted 12 per cent economic growth was attainable.

“Government is not under any illusion that this target can be achieved without the participation of all sectors of the economy.

I am, therefore, urging the public sector, private sector and all stakeholders to work diligently and collaboratively to stimulate economic growth,” he said.

Moving forward, he emphasised the need for the country to capitalise on its natural resources, including the minerals that have been discovered.

NOTED
He noted that lessons from other countries indicated that for the maximum benefit of the populace, government must establish a state-owned mining company.

According to the PM, the ministry of natural resources and energy had commenced the process of establishing a national mining company.

“We urge the ministry to expedite this process as we have partners already waiting to invest. We have no doubt that this is the right direction to take,” he said.

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