The Ministry of Health and Social Services has invested N$19.3 million in a digital archiving system, replacing paper-based storage and transfer of patient imaging records, such as X-rays and CT scans at five referral hospitals.
The development allows for faster diagnoses, improved patient care, and increased efficiency for healthcare professionals.
“In June last year, the Ministry commissioned the Picture Archive and Communications System (PACS) and Radiology Information System (RIS) at a cost of N$19.3 million at the five referral hospitals to digitalise the storage and transfer of patient imaging records at these facilities,” said the Minister of Health and Social Services Kalumbi Shangula.
He further explained that the Ministry’s investment extends beyond digital archiving. The Ministry has also acquired essential medical equipment for public hospitals, including mobile examination lights, theatre lights, laparoscopic units, cardiotocography (CTG) machines, ICU monitors, and patient monitors and dental chairs.
“High-end medical equipment has also been procured and installed at different health facilities. During the 2023/2024 Financial Year, 13 operating tables, 20 electrocardiographs, 97 infant incubators, 20 dental chairs, 20 dental x-rays, and 18 dental autoclaves were procured and installed at various public health facilities. We have also installed Ceiling Suspended X-ray Units and Digital fluoroscopy units at referral hospitals,” Shangula said.
The Ministry’s Quality Surveillance Laboratory recently achieved International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) accreditation, ensuring the lab meets rigorous quality standards for testing and analysing medicines.
“Quality Surveillance Laboratory, which tests and analyses medicines to confirm conformance to set standards, received the (International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) accredited by the SADC Accreditation Service (SADCAS),” he said.
Shangula also said new oxygen-generating systems have been installed at several hospitals, with most district hospitals and health centres now boasting this critical capability.
“These include Onandjokwe, Mariental, Swakopmund, Okakarara and St Mary Rehoboth Hospitals as well as Keetmanshoop, Okahao, Eenhana, Okongo and Andara Hospitals, which were installed during February 2024. Most District hospitals and Health Centres have installed oxygen-generating capabilities,” he said.
