The Ministry of Health and Social Services has commissioned a state-of-the-art dialysis unit at Katutura Intermediate Hospital in Windhoek, marking a milestone in improving public access to critical healthcare services.
The N$16.5 million investment includes repurposing a previously constructed 96-bed ward, built during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister of Health and Social Services Kalumbi Shangula said the dialysis unit, consisting of 16 beds, has been operational since 17 July 2024.
“Staff, including seven dialysis nurses and three resident nephrologists, has already treated 31 patients across 118 sessions. The facility plays a vital role for patients with chronic kidney failure, a condition that can be fatal without regular dialysis,” he said.
The total cost of the project includes N$2.9 million for the building, N$6.8 million for equipment, N$2 million for water treatment, and N$4.8 million for dialysis chairs.
“Dialysis is a necessary treatment to filter out unwanted substances and maintain a good balance in the blood. This unit offers a place for patients to receive this life-saving treatment,” explained Shangula.
The establishment of this unit is part of a larger initiative by the government to improve healthcare services across Namibia.
“Cabinet has approved a costed plan to strengthen and improve the delivery of public health services in the country. The plan will be implemented over five years and will cost more than N$16 billion,” Shangula noted.
This new dialysis unit is expected to significantly enhance access to life-saving treatments, reducing the distance patients must travel to receive care.
“The commissioning of this dialysis unit is just the beginning. We will do more as we reduce the long distances to access these services,” said Shangula.
The Katutura dialysis unit is part of a nationwide initiative to upgrade healthcare infrastructure and ensure that all Namibians receive the specialised medical care they need.
