Eswatini launches investigation into National Psychiatric Referral Hospital

The government of Eswatini has launched a joint assessment of the National Psychiatric Referral Hospital to address severe concerns regarding patient care, staffing, and service delivery. The investigation is being conducted by the Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration/Integrity (CHRPA) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) under constitutional mandates.

Reports from the facility indicate critical issues, including overcrowding where a ward designed for 45 patients holds at least 100. Staff have reported that some patients are forced to sleep on mats on the floor. Other challenges include critical drug shortages, poor sanitation, food insecurity, and infestations of lice due to inadequate bathing facilities for newly admitted patients.

Security and staffing concerns were also highlighted, with reports of unmanageable nurse-to-patient ratios and threats of sexual assault against staff. Some patients have allegedly formed gangs within the institution. Human Rights Deputy Commissioner Duduzile Dlamini-Nhlengethwa stated the assessment is “purely constructive and solution-oriented,” aiming to establish a factual record to protect the dignity and well-being of vulnerable patients.