Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Ministry of Health is on a mission to restore confidence in Eswatini’s health system, and Thursday morning’s handover of a brand-new E1.1 million ambulance to Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital proved just that.
Health Minister Mduduzi Matsebula, who officially presented the ambulance, said the move was part of His Majesty King Mswati III’s Nkwe! mandate to strengthen the nation’s healthcare sector.
“In the past 22 months, the ministry has procured more than 70 vehicles, and close to 30 of those are ambulances distributed across hospitals,” he said.
“This is part of a broader effort to fix the health system, from renovating healthcare centres, addressing staff shortages, and ensuring medicine supply, to building new facilities and improving outreach. We are committed to restoring trust and bringing healthcare back to its rightful position.”
The Minister highlighted that the ambulance would not be a financial burden for the hospital, as government will provide both fuel and maintenance. He also stressed accountability, saying the vehicle is fitted with a state-of-the-art tracking system.
“Let me make it clear, this ambulance is for patients only. No personal errands will be tolerated. Any misuse will lead to the ambulance being recalled,” he cautioned.
Calling RFM the “busiest hospital in the country,” Matsebula said the new ambulance would ease pressure on the facility and strengthen its outreach programmes.
Board welcomes the boost
RFM Board Chairman Strydom Mpandza thanked the ministry for the swift response to the hospital’s request.
“We needed this boost urgently. It is inspiring to see the Minister being hands-on and following through on healthcare progress. At RFM, we are a united, motivated team, and this ambulance will reduce pressure and improve service delivery,” he said.
Timely intervention
RFM CEO Mazwi Mavuso described the ambulance as a timely intervention, especially since the hospital’s old fleet had become unreliable.
“We thank the Ministry of Health, government, and His Majesty for ensuring that the health system is restored to serve the nation effectively. This ambulance comes at the right time, and I assure the Minister it will be in good hands. No abuse or corruption will be tolerated at RFM. This vehicle will help us reach more people through our outreach programmes,” he said.
In a symbolic moment that captured the excitement of staff, Mavuso became the first to jump behind the wheel and test-drive the gleaming ambulance in front of dignitaries and hospital employees.
Accountability first
Ministry of Health Transport Officer Mthulisi Mamba reminded staff of their responsibility to safeguard the ambulance.
“It is fitted with modern equipment and a tracking system, which makes it easier for us to monitor misuse. This ambulance is here to serve patients, and we expect it to be handled with care,” he said.
A sign of progress
The handover was attended by senior officials including Ministry of Health Under Secretary Simon Kunene. For many, the donation is more than just a new vehicle, it is a sign that the Ministry is delivering on its promise to fix Eswatini’s health system, step by step.
As the sun shone over the RFM premises, the ambulance stood as a symbol of renewed hope. With improved response times and strengthened outreach, emaSwati can look forward to better healthcare access, and the assurance that the health system is moving forward, one ride at a time.
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