Government has engaged relevant regulatory and investigative authorities to thoroughly examine a series of allegations levelled against The Luke Commission by a group of former employees.
The former employees recently visited the private and cabinet office, where they presented their concerns to the prime minister regarding their experiences during their employment at the organisation.
The allegations, which government described as deeply troubling, include claims of serious breaches of labour legislation and established employment practices, unlawful termination of employment, denial of due process, discrimination, victimisation, intimidation and the absence of written employment contracts for some employees.
The former employees also alleged that they were subjected to excessive working hours without lawful compensation and that there was a workplace culture that discouraged staff from exercising their statutory labour rights.
The Luke Commission is an institution established to provide healthcare and humanitarian services to vulnerable members of society.
Government said the nature of its work placed a heightened responsibility on the organisation to uphold high standards of professionalism, medical ethics, accountability and respect for human dignity.
In a statement released by Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli, other concerns raised by the former employees were allegations relating to governance and clinical practices.
The former employees claimed that certain individuals performed clinical functions without the requisite professional qualifications or registration, while some employees were allegedly instructed to undertake medical responsibilities beyond their competence.
Of particular concern were allegations relating to patient care. These included claims that expired medicines and food products had their expiry dates altered before being administered or distributed to patients and vulnerable beneficiaries.
The former employees further alleged that medicines intended for veterinary use were administered to patients by individuals who were neither medical doctors nor registered nurses. They also claimed that some patients were retained in care longer than medically necessary and that accepted medical protocols and professional codes were not consistently followed.
Additional allegations included racism, unequal treatment of employees and intimidation. The former employees also claimed that they were told that legal remedies available under Eswatini’s labour laws, including proceedings before the Commission for Mediation, Arbitration and Conciliation (CMAC), would be ineffective.
The group further alleged that employees were pressured to participate in campaigns aimed at influencing government funding decisions.
According to the former employees, staff were encouraged to lobby Members of Parliament to raise certain issues in Parliament, participate in public advocacy efforts and develop negative perceptions of government officials seeking greater transparency and accountability regarding public resources.
Mdluli said government would not treat the allegations lightly, emphasising that the dignity, livelihood and wellbeing of every citizen must be protected.
“Whether an employee, patient, caregiver or an elderly citizen receiving assistance, every citizen is entitled to be treated with dignity, fairness, compassion and respect under the law,” she said.
She, however, stressed that the allegations must be subjected to lawful and independent processes before any conclusions are reached.
“No conclusions will be drawn before the relevant authorities have had the opportunity to establish the facts objectively and impartially.
“The appropriate regulatory and investigative authorities have consequently been engaged to examine the allegations thoroughly and independently,” she said.
She added that where evidence establishes misconduct or violations of the law, appropriate corrective, regulatory and legal measures would be pursued in accordance with the laws of the Kingdom.
“At the same time, the investigation would provide The Luke Commission with an opportunity to respond to the allegations and clear its name should they be found to be unfounded or misleading,” she said.
She emphasised that institutions entrusted with providing healthcare and humanitarian assistance occupied a position of profound public trust and that such trust must be protected.
“All healthcare institutions operating within the Kingdom are expected to comply fully with the laws of Eswatini, professional standards governing medical practice, labour legislation and the ethical obligations owed to every patient and employee,” government said.
Mdluli further reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting patients, safeguarding employees’ rights and ensuring that institutions entrusted with serving the people of Eswatini operate with integrity, professionalism, accountability and compassion.
