MBABANE – Shortages of medical supplies at government-run hospitals and clinics across Eswatini have triggered widespread concern among healthcare workers, prompting urgent intervention from the Ministry of Health and a high-level Cabinet team.
Medical staff at multiple facilities have reported critically low stocks of essential drugs and equipment, straining their ability to provide care. The Ministry of Health has acknowledged the crisis and assured the public that efforts are underway to stabilize the situation.
On Monday, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo—representing the Prime Minister—led a delegation to the Central Medical Stores (CMS) to investigate the delays. Officials identified a one-month halt in deliveries during a CMS stock-taking exercise in March as a key cause of the current shortages. Although hospitals were advised to place early orders and received some supplies, these were quickly depleted.
The Ministry also disclosed that emergency procurement efforts in December 2024 and January 2025 failed to meet rising demand. Many suppliers only delivered stock during the March stock-taking period, further disrupting the supply chain. Some orders were never fulfilled, worsening the situation at facility level.
Despite the challenges, health workers have continued serving patients, and the Ministry expressed its appreciation for their dedication. It also urged the public to remain patient as recovery measures are implemented.
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