The Namibia Institute of Pathology Limited (NIP) is set to introduce 24-hour laboratory operations at major sites across the country as part of a phased rollout of a new multishift system, aimed at improving diagnostic capacity and reducing turnaround times.
According to NIP, the move is part of efforts to operationalise its Hub-Spoke-Node operating model, which includes the establishment of Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and the introduction of continuous laboratory services at high-volume sites.
“The multishift system will be implemented in phases, starting this financial year with laboratories such as the National Reference Laboratory at Windhoek Central Hospital, Oshakati, Rundu, and Onandjokwe,” the institution said.
“These sites will operate on a two- or three-shift system to ensure continuous service delivery in response to growing test volumes.”
NIP noted that most of its laboratories currently operate on a single-shift system, which limits service hours and leads to high external referral costs. The organisation said historical trends point to increased testing demand without a corresponding rise in operational capacity.
“The multishift system will allow us to absorb more testing in-house, reduce our dependence on outsourced services, and improve overall client satisfaction,” NIP stated.
The proposed Centres of Excellence will serve as specialised hubs in areas such as Molecular Medicine and Anatomical Pathology.
According to NIP, these centres will play a key role in decentralising diagnostic services, improving specimen handling, and reducing delays related to sample transport.
“The introduction of CoEs will further strengthen NIP’s diagnostic capabilities and support ongoing research and innovation,” the organisation said.
Niita Evaristus, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer at NIP, said the initiative is about more than just operational efficiency.
“This integrated approach positions NIP to better meet the nation’s public health demands while fostering innovation, research, and collaboration between clinicians and pathologists,” she said.
She added that the multishift system has been designed to comply fully with labour laws and protect staff wellbeing.
“By maximising equipment use and balancing workloads, the model will not only improve productivity but also ensure employee welfare is not compromised,” Evaristus said.
