Manzini – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini visited the newly built OncAura Wellness Centre in Manzini on Friday morning to assess progress at what is set to become Eswatini’s first radiology facility. The centre was established following a directive from His Majesty King Mswati the Third for government to support the development of a local oncology service.
The Prime Minister said the visit was meant to determine how soon the centre can begin offering full oncology and radiology services. He noted that the facility has been completed and is ready for operation while awaiting licensing from the Interim Eswatini Nuclear Regulatory Authority. The authority is currently reviewing the final documents required before the centre can officially open its doors to patients.
The project arrives at a critical time for the country as Eswatini works to strengthen its health system following the recent approval of the National Nuclear and Radiation Safety Regulatory Bill 2024 by Parliament. The Prime Minister said he was encouraged by the team of specialists already assigned to run the centre, describing them as highly trained professionals capable of delivering care that meets international standards.
Health officials have raised concern about rising cancer cases across the country. Current figures show 88.8 cases per 1 000 people, a rate placing Eswatini among the most affected countries globally. The new centre is expected to ease the pressure on hospitals and reduce the cost of sending patients to South Africa through the Phalala Fund.
Government says the facility will help improve early detection and treatment outcomes for patients while keeping services within the country.
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