Africa-Press – Eswatini. In a significant move aimed at solving the long-standing issue of medicine shortages in public health facilities, the Ministry of Health has announced plans to establish a dedicated agency to manage the procurement and supply of medicines across Eswatini.
The proposed entity, to be named the Eswatini Medical Supplies Agency, will function as a state-owned institution underpinned by legislation currently being piloted for enactment by Parliament. The goal is to create a legally empowered body that can operate efficiently to ensure a consistent supply of medical drugs and related health commodities nationwide.
Health Minister Mduduzi Matsebula made the announcement during a three-day engagement between ministry officials and Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Ministry of Health Portfolio Committee, chaired by Somntongo MP Sandile Nxumalo. The meeting, taking place in Ezulwini, also includes high-ranking legislators such as Speaker of the House of Assembly Jabulani Mabuza, Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga, and other MPs who are not members of the committee but have taken interest in the legislative process.
The discussions, which began on Tuesday and are expected to conclude on Friday, August 8, 2025, are centred around two crucial bills: the Eswatini Medical Supplies Agency Bill of 2025 and the Eswatini Nursing Council Bill of 2025.
Minister Matsebula expressed optimism that the formation of the agency would bring lasting solutions to the ongoing crisis of medicine stockouts in hospitals and clinics. “There is an urgent need for drastic change,” he said. “People have complained for far too long about the lack of medicines. This agency will be a game-changer in ensuring that such complaints become a thing of the past.”
He emphasised that the current supply chain system has proven inadequate, and a more focused, accountable, and specialised structure is required. The new agency will be tasked with streamlining procurement, managing logistics, maintaining stock levels, and ensuring timely delivery of drugs to health facilities.
If passed into law, the Eswatini Medical Supplies Agency will mark a critical turning point in the country’s healthcare delivery, reinforcing government’s commitment to improving public health systems and ensuring equitable access to essential medicines.
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