By 
by Ncaba Ntshakala
His Majesty King Mswati III’s call for affordable and inclusive healthcare signals a transformative shift that could position Eswatini among the African nations with the best healthcare systems.
Eswatini could join the ranks of countries such as South Africa, Rwanda, Mauritius, and Botswana by setting minimum standards for hospitals and clinics which will ensure the availability of essential drugs and equipment and establishing a fully-fledged cancer treatment facility.
Mauritius, for instance, boasts one of the best healthcare systems in Africa, with universal healthcare coverage provided through a combination of public and private hospitals.
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The country has heavily invested in medical infrastructure, ensuring free healthcare services to all citizens. It has also developed a robust pharmaceutical sector, reducing its reliance on imported medicines. Similarly, Rwanda has become a model for healthcare innovation with its successful community-based health insurance system, Mutuelle de Santé, which covers over 90% of the population and has drastically improved access to medical care.
Again, South Africa, with its advanced medical facilities, remains one of the continent’s leaders in healthcare. It operates a dual public-private system, and the country has some of the most well-equipped hospitals, specialized treatment centers, and a strong pharmaceutical industry.
The introduction of the National Health Insurance (NHI) is expected to further improve accessibility to quality healthcare for all citizens. Botswana has also made remarkable progress, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS, where it provides free antiretroviral treatment and has one of the highest treatment coverage rates in Africa.
If Eswatini accelerates efforts as per His Majesty King Mswati III’s call to establish and improve medical infrastructure, expand specialized treatment options, it could emerge as a regional leader in healthcare.
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Eswatini can ensure that no LiSwati is denied medical care due to financial constraints, which will fulfil the King’s vision of a healthcare system that serves all citizens effectively.
