The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) is considering the introduction of online medical consultations and mandatory community service for medical professionals as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery in Namibia.
The Ministry said the initiatives form part of a broader strategy to address longstanding challenges in the health sector, including high patient volumes, staff shortages, and the uneven distribution of healthcare workers across the country.
According to Health Minister Esperance Luvindao, online consultations are intended to expand access to healthcare by enabling patients to consult medical professionals remotely. This, she said, is expected to ease the burden on overstretched facilities, particularly in urban areas such as the Katutura Health Centre.
At the same time, she revealed that the Ministry is exploring the introduction of mandatory community service for medical professionals as a way to address staffing gaps in underserved rural and remote regions. This follows ongoing concerns about the concentration of health workers in urban areas, while regions such as Zambezi, Kavango West, Omaheke, //Kharas and Hardap remain understaffed.
“Other interventions such as online consultations and community service requirements are among the complementary approaches currently under discussion. While the Ministry recognises that high patient volumes are not unique to the Khomas Region, our plan is to gradually roll out relief measures across all regions until we strengthen both infrastructure and staffing,” Luvindao said.
She was speaking during the recent onboarding of 11 private sector medical doctors who will offer pro bono services at the Katutura Health Centre.
Luvindao added that these initiatives are intended to complement ongoing efforts, which include increasing the number of night-shift doctors at Katutura, extending operating hours at high-volume clinics such as Okuryangava and Otjomuise, and introducing 24-hour services at facilities like the Maxuilili Clinic.
“The construction of new health facilities, including the Windhoek District Hospital, will also go a long way in reducing pressure on existing services,” she said.
The Ministry said it is continuing to engage with medical professionals and the public to refine the proposed measures.
