Emaswati in rural communities do not have access to medical diagnosis and treatment, because they do not have the money to take public transportation to the cities.
That’s why The Luke Commission travels all over Eswatini, going to the people.
Recently, we heard this story firsthand. An elderly man waiting to see Dr. Harry told us he received 600 emalangeni (less than $60) every three months, as a pension from the government. That’s E200 ($20) a month for food and necessities.
Feeling so poorly last year, he “saved” his pension and traveled to a Mbabane hospital. It cost him E30 to get to Manzini plus E28 to take a second kombi to Mbabane. He saw a doctor there, but only received a little Tylenol. The rides home cost another E58.
More than half this man’s monthly income (E116) was spent trying to get medical assistance. For just one trip. A trip without lasting benefit.
When The Luke Commission came to his community several months later, he was one of the first in line to receive treatment. Obviously, this man treasured TLC’s commitment to rural patients.
“We cannot go to cities to see doctors and to buy medicines,” said this mkhulu (meaning “grandpa” spoken with great respect). “Thank you for coming to us.”
This is a simple story, repeated over and over again. It’s not unusual for The Luke Commission to treat 800 medical patients at one mobile hospital outreach, not counting eye exams and reading glasses given and TOMs shoes fitted on school children.
We appreciate all those who support TLC with prayers and finances and those who just tell these stories…
Janet Tuinstra
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| Seeking medical help, this man spent more than one half his monthly income for a trip to the city. |