On 19th January 2017, Ambassador Thomas J.C. Chen was invited by the Minister of Health Hon. Sibongile Ndlela-Simelane to attend the Rehabilitation Ceremony of Mbabane Government Hospital which was launched by Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini with the presence of Minster of Economic Planning and Development H.R.H. Prince Hlangusemphi, and other ministers. On making his remarks, Ambassador Chen mentioned that in modern society, receiving quality medical service is a fundamental right of the people. That is why the government is delighted to assist the renovation of the hospital which is dilapidated and not spacious enough to meet the need of over 600 outpatients on a daily basis. Besides funding the renovation of this 96-year-old hospital, Taiwan also emphasizes the importance of developing medical human resources. 54 Swazi students are currently attending a four-year post-graduate medical training program which was initiated by Taiwan government in 2013 solely for the students from it’s allied countries. The total enrollment of the program so far is 144, of which the students from Swaziland occupy over 35% and constitute the largest group from a single country. 10 of them will complete their studies and come back to serve the Swazis in June 2017. By the time the renovation project is completely fulfilled, the 54 Swazi students will be all back to serve the country. In his keynote speech, Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini pinpointed the cordial relationship that has existed between the two countries for almost five decades. On behalf of His Majesty, he extended his heartfelt gratitude to the contribution made by the Republic of China on Taiwan to Swaziland in the areas of agriculture, education, electricity and health care, etc. He also thanked Taiwan for its generosity in making the hospital’s renovation possible. He further expressed his wish for the long lasting of this solid friendship.
H.E. Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini delivers the keynote speech at the ceremony.(from left to right: Minster of Economic Planning and Development H.R.H. Prince Hlangusemphi、Ambassador Thomas J.C. Chen、Minister of Health Hon. Sibongile Ndlela-Simelane)
Ambassador Thomas J.C. Chen makes remarks
