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Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini announced sweeping reforms to the Ministry of Health’s programs during the closing remarks of the recent Cabinet Retreat held at the Royal Villas in Ezulwini.
Addressing pressing community health needs, the Prime Minister outlined a series of initiatives designed to modernize health services and improve health outcomes for the population.
One of the cornerstone proposals is the redesign of the community health motivators program, known locally as “bagcugcuteli.” This initiative aims to better align health workers with the contemporary challenges facing communities, ensuring they are equipped to provide relevant support and education to the public.
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The National Emergency Response Council on HIV/AIDS (NERCHA) will also play a pivotal role in this transformation, focusing on sustaining current gains in HIV interventions while transitioning towards a more holistic approach that emphasizes value-based prevention alongside treatment.
In recognition of changing demographics and community dynamics, the Ministry of Health will review the existing 8km radius standard for health service access. This review aims to ensure that healthcare facilities are strategically located to serve communities effectively and efficiently, reflecting the realities on the ground.
In the fight against Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), particularly cancer, the Ministry’s plans to conduct a comprehensive study examining various exposure factors contributing to these health issues.
By identifying and analyzing these factors, the Ministry aims to develop targeted strategies that will help mitigate the risks associated with NCDs.
Additionally, the Prime Minister announced plans to prepare a detailed Cabinet Paper concerning the regulation of on-call allowances for health professionals. This initiative seeks to enhance efficiency, improve health outcomes, and foster a healthier working environment.
The proposed regulations will also create opportunities for the hiring of more doctors and healthcare professionals, expanding the workforce to better meet community health needs.
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The Cabinet Paper is expected to be presented for consideration by the end of March 2025.
These reforms set a bold vision for the future of healthcare in the nation, showcasing
