Eswatini Competition Commission probes EswatiniMed
Medical aid fund EswatiniMed faces investigation for alleged anti-competitive practices against rival providers.
The Eswatini Competition Commission is investigating EswatiniMed for alleged anti-competitive practices that disadvantage rival healthcare providers. Complaints from Paramed Laboratories and the Eswatini Private Doctors Association (EPDA) led to the probe. The commission ruled on July 31, 2026, that EswatiniMed’s activities, including its ownership of Ezulwini Private Hospital, fall under the Competition Act No. 8 of 2007.
Paramed Laboratories claims EswatiniMed refused to issue practice numbers and withdrew existing ones for some providers. EPDA accused EswatiniMed of using a 'non-price predatory strategy' to harm competitors of its associated healthcare providers. The commission’s Secretariat issued an investigation notice on September 26, 2024, and its report on February 10, 2025, concluded EswatiniMed holds a dominant market position and engaged in anti-competitive practices.
The Secretariat recommended an administrative penalty of 4.398 per cent of EswatiniMed’s total turnover, to be paid within 90 days of the Board’s decision. EswatiniMed consultant Peter Simelane raised concerns about the Board’s composition. The commission’s investigation began after EswatiniMed objected to its jurisdiction on November 12, 2024.
Why it mattersEswatiniMed, a dominant medical aid fund, is being investigated for actions that could harm competing healthcare providers and potentially affect patient choice and access to services.