B2Gold has made N$6 million available towards the construction of Ombili Clinic in Otjiwarongo, which is set for completion in November.
Once complete, the clinic will offer services such as general consultations, preventive care, emergency treatment, dental and pharmaceutical assistance.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, Health and Social Services Minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula said by leveraging the resources, expertise, and innovation of both the public and private sectors, the government can address the complex health needs of the population more effectively.
“One of the key benefits of this collaboration and partnership is the ability to mobilise additional resources for healthcare infrastructure, technology, and services,” Kalumbi said.
“Through strategic collaborations, we can access funding, equipment, and technical assistance that may not be readily available within the public sector alone. This is where strategic partners such as B2Gold Namibia come in. Therefore, this will contribute greatly to improved health outcomes and saving of resources that can be used for purposes of further improving our health system.”
As part of strengthening the public health system, Kalumbi said the Ministry has procured and installed oxygen-generating systems at different hospitals around the country, including Okakarara and Otjiwarongo District Hospitals.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, he said there were less than 30 intensive care beds in public hospitals, located only at Oshakati, Onandjokwe, Katutura and Windhoek Central hospitals.
“Other projects completed recently in Otjozondjupa Region include the renovation of the Okakarara District Hospital laundry and kitchen. Also, there is progress with the installation of a solar heating system and water softening plant for the kitchen and laundry at Okakarara District Hospital.
“We are currently in the process of establishing intensive care units at all 35 district hospitals around the country, including here at Otjiwarongo. For many years, Namibians had to travel long distances from Katima Mulilo, Rundu, Oshakati, Keetmanshoop, or Walvis Bay to Windhoek in order to access dialysis services,” added Kalumbi.
Furthermore, he revealed that the Ministry is also constructing dialysis facilities at different hospitals in an effort to alleviate high costs that would amount to N$100 million per annum for referring patients to private health centres.
Meanwhile, B2Gold Country Manager John Roos reaffirmed the mine’s commitment to seeing the project through to completion while assuring on working with the community to support the clinic’s operation for long-term sustainability.
“The decision to construct the Ombili Clinic stemmed from the healthcare challenges faced by Otjiwarongo residents. The construction of the Ombili Clinic will alleviate the strain on the Orwetoweni Clinic and Otjiwarongo District Hospital. With the assistance of the Ministry of Health and Social Services’ regional health directorate, the Ombili site was identified as the optimal location for this endeavour,” said Roos.
He further highlighted B2Gold’s investment in Otjiwarongo, highlighting that the company initiated the construction of the Ombili Primary School in 2019.
The ongoing project, he said, currently accommodates approximately 1,300 students, facilitated by a dedicated team of 30 educators, one administrative personnel, and five volunteers.
“Currently, B2Gold stands as the exclusive benefactor of this project and thus far has completed 24 classrooms and two pre-primary classroom blocks, inclusive of ablution blocks. Additionally, plans are underway to construct eight additional classrooms, a library, and a science laboratory block. Upon completion, B2Gold’s investment will total N$19 million,” said Roos.
