The Ministry of Health and Social Services says it has reported significant progress in healthcare provision, with over 76% of Namibians now living within a 10-km radius of healthcare facilities.
Speaking at the opening of the National Health and Social Services Conference, Health Minister Kalumbi Shangula highlighted the progress made in healthcare provision in the past three decades.
“Since independence in 1990, we have invested heavily in primary healthcare, bringing more than 76% of Namibians within a 10-km radius of health facilities staffed by skilled personnel. We have built new clinics, health centres, and other health facilities across the length and breadth of the country,” Shangula said.
In addition to increasing access, the Ministry has focused on upgrading health infrastructure and services to improve the quality of care.
One of the key initiatives includes the construction of the Windhoek District Hospital, which is now in the advanced stages of procurement.
“The Ministry has commenced the development and construction of the Windhoek District Hospital. Last week, the Executive Director informed me that the Bidding Documents for Bulk Sewer Reticulation, Electricity Supply and Access Roads were approved by the Ministerial Procurement Committee,” Shangula said.
He emphasised that the project is proceeding as planned and funds have already been allocated within the relevant Medium Expenditure Frameworks.
Meanwhile, efforts to enhance medical services have also been seen in the expansion of renal dialysis facilities.
Shangula highlighted the opening of dialysis units at two key hospitals, mainly, a Dialysis Unit with 16 haemodialysis machines at Katutura Intermediate Hospital and a further Dialysis Unit with 12 machines was opened at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital.
These improvements, Shangula explained, are critical to translating international commitments into tangible benefits for Namibians.
The Minister also acknowledged the challenges faced by the healthcare sector, particularly in terms of staffing.
“Our public health system serves over 85% of the population. This means that more than 85% of Namibians depend on state-funded public health services, which they receive at a token fee. Even if a patient cannot afford the fee, they are not denied service. However, the main concern remains the shortage of critical professionals, particularly nurses and doctors,” he said.
To address this, the Ministry has made significant strides in recruiting healthcare personnel, filling over 506 positions in 2023, with plans to double this number in 2024.
Shangula further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to healthcare financing, noting that Namibia consistently allocates over 15% of its national budget to the health sector.
“The Namibian government has been consistent in its financial commitment to the health sector, allocating over 15% of the national budget to health. Namibia is one of the few African countries to achieve, and in some years surpass, the Abuja Declaration that obligates African governments to allocate not less than 15% of their national budget to health,” Shangula said.
