The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund of Namibia (MVA Fund) says its plans to establish a multi-million-dollar trauma centre have been dealt a huge blow by the government’s decision to slash its fuel levy.
As part of fuel price relief measures, the government recently reduced the fuel levy by 25% from 47.7 cents to 37.725 cents. However, MVA Fund Chief Executive Officer Rosalia Martins-Hausiku was quick to warn that the move will negatively impact the organisation’s revenue position, hindering its ability to deliver care to clients.
The statutory body, which is mandated to design, promote and implement crash and injury prevention measures, has been touting the idea of constructing the country’s first dedicated, specialist trauma and rehabilitation facility.
“The initial idea started in 2012, which culminated in the completion of the feasibility study in 2018. It will delay the plans,” Martins-Hausiku told The Brief.
She said the centre, which will have an initial capacity of 92-beds, is expected to be realized through internal and external funding.
“MVA Fund is one of the many envisaged investors of the trauma hospital, so far with a lot of interest shown from various stakeholders.”
Martins-Hausiku noted that the envisaged trauma hospital is expected to support the government’s health for all development agenda as per the country’s Sustainable Development Goals, such as Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing.
“This will be the first dedicated, specialist Level-1 trauma and rehabilitation facility in the country and the upcoming facility will also serve as an additional source of income for the Fund,” she said.
“The location (of the facility) was selected based on supporting medical disciplines and most of our clients end up in Windhoek with medical services and clinicians centered in the capital city. Furthermore, the availability of land was also considered when the Fund looked at various options for land and when we found the specific land in Katutura, we deemed it appropriate.”
The City of Windhoek early this month approved the sale of erf 10812 in Katutura to the MVA Fund for N$21 million for the construction of the centre.
