By Bongi Ka Dube
The first- and second-year medical students at Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU) were recently equipped with invaluable perspective on modern healthcare during a medical lecture held on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, in Mbabane.
The session organised by the EMCU was delivered by Dr Amon Nkambule, a local Ermelo resident and registered Family Physician. Dr Nkambule has lived in Ermelo since 1996. Addressing aspiring doctors at the early stages of their training, Dr Nkambule emphasised the importance of adopting a patient-centred consultation model in family medicine.
Rooted in humble beginnings, having been born in the farming areas of Mjindini near Barberton, qualified as a medical doctor in 1991, his journey eventually led him to Mayflower in 1995, before settling in Ermelo in 1996, where he has since built his family and career and continues to serve the communities of Gert Sibande District to this date.
Driven by a deep passion for helping people get well, Dr Nkambule’s approach to healthcare reflects both his personal journey and his commitment to community well-being. His lecture highlighted a shift from the traditional disease-focused approach to one that recognises the patient as a whole person, thereby taking the posture of a people’s servant. He encouraged students to actively engage with patients, carefully eliciting their concerns, understanding their emotional experiences and considering the broader social context affecting their health. Central to this approach is shared decision-making, where patients are not passive recipients of care but active participants in their treatment management. By fostering collaboration between healthcare providers and patients, Dr Nkambule believes that this model enhances trust, improves adherence to treatment plans and contributes to better clinical outcomes.
Dr Nkambule said, “Patient-centred care is not only a clinical tool, but also a moral imperative that restores dignity and compassion in healthcare”.
For students beginning their medical journey, the lecture served as a reminder that effective treatment goes beyond diagnosing illness; it requires listening, empathy and partnership.
The Eswatini Christian Medical University, a public enterprise based in Mbabane, continues to position itself as a leader in integrated education by combining high-quality training in medical, ICT, and social sciences with strong Christian values. By hosting lectures of this nature, EMCU reinforces its commitment to nurturing well-rounded healthcare practitioners who are not only clinically competent but also compassionate and patient-focused in their approach.
