Mbabane – The Luke Commission is facing an investigation following allegations by former employees that patients and vulnerable beneficiaries may have been exposed to unsafe medical practices, including the alleged use of expired medicines and treatment by people without the required professional qualifications.
The allegations were presented to the Private and Cabinet Office on Monday by a group of former employees, prompting the Government to engage the relevant regulatory and investigative authorities to establish the facts.
The claims have raised questions about patient safety and professional standards at the healthcare and humanitarian organisation, which serves vulnerable communities across the country.
The government, however, has cautioned that the allegations remain unproven and that no conclusions will be drawn until the appropriate investigations have been completed.
Among the most serious claims made by the former employees is that expired medicines and food products allegedly had their expiry dates altered before being administered or distributed to patients and beneficiaries.
The former employees further alleged that medicines intended for veterinary use were administered to patients by people who were neither medical doctors nor registered nurses.
They also claimed that some individuals performed clinical duties without the necessary professional qualifications or registration, while employees were allegedly instructed to undertake medical responsibilities outside their areas of competence.
According to the group, some patients were allegedly kept in care for longer than medically necessary and accepted medical protocols and professional codes were not always observed.
Labour allegations
The former employees also presented a range of workplace grievances, including allegations of unlawful termination, denial of due process, discrimination, victimisation and intimidation.
They claimed that some employees did not receive written employment contracts and that staff worked excessive hours without lawful compensation.
The group further alleged that employees were discouraged from exercising their rights under labour legislation, including seeking recourse through the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CMAC).
Allegations of racism and unequal treatment were also raised.
The former employees claimed that some staff were subjected to pressure to participate in public campaigns intended to influence Government funding decisions.
According to their account, employees were encouraged to lobby Members of Parliament to raise issues in Parliament and participate in advocacy activities against Government officials who had raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the use of public resources.
Government response
The government said the allegations could not be ignored, particularly because The Luke Commission provides healthcare and humanitarian assistance to vulnerable members of society.
It said every patient, employee, caregiver and beneficiary has a right to dignity, fairness and protection under the law.
At the same time, Government stressed that the claims must be subjected to lawful and independent processes before any determination can be made.
“The allegations must be tested through lawful and independent processes. No conclusions will be drawn before the relevant authorities have had the opportunity to establish the facts objectively and impartially,” Government said.
The appropriate regulatory and investigative authorities have consequently been engaged to examine the allegations.
The government said where evidence establishes misconduct or breaches of the law, appropriate corrective, regulatory and legal action would be taken.
The investigation would also give The Luke Commission an opportunity to respond to the claims and clear its name if the allegations are found to be unfounded or misleading.
The government said healthcare and humanitarian organisations operate on public trust and are expected to comply with Eswatini’s labour laws, medical regulations, professional standards and ethical obligations.
It said protecting patients and employees remained a priority and that institutions serving the public must operate with professionalism, accountability and respect for human dignity.
The government said it would continue to follow the matter until the facts were established and the relevant legal processes had been concluded.
The outcome of the investigations is therefore expected to determine whether any of the allegations have substance and whether further action is required.
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