Namibia to expand Chinese acupuncture services to government facilities countrywide

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has confirmed its decision to expand the Chinese medical service of acupuncture across the country.

According to health ministry executive director Ben Nangombe, the services are currently only based in Windhoek, adding that the services are also being utilised by people from outside the Khomas region.

“There has been positive feedback from those who received the service. Some beneficiaries have expressed desire for the service to be available in other areas so that they do not have to travel long distances to Windhoek,” he says.

Nangombe says the ministry is engaging with the Chinese side to explore whether within the current agreement options can be found to expand the services to other areas outside Windhoek.

He says in doing so, the relevant factors have to be considered as well as issues of availability of resources, physical infrastructure and human resources.

Meanwhile, the health ministry’s acting executive director, Jeremia Nghipundjua, highlights the significant impact of the Chinese medical teams.

Nghipundjua was speaking at the rotating ceremony for the 15th and 16th Chinese medical teams in Namibia on Friday.

“The contributions that China has made in the health sector of Namibia is marvellous. China has been cooperating with Namibia in a number of areas and we have received support in terms of health facilities and training of health professionals,” he said.

Nghipundjua adds that “the Chinese medical team is a professional team that provides excellent service and they are really providing treatment options to the people of Namibia.”

Since 1996, the Chinese government has consistently sent medical teams to Namibia to enhance health care services in the country

Previously, The Namibian interviewed Chinese doctor Dr Fang Lianqiang, who was sent to Namibia through the same collaboration with two nurses and another doctor.

Dr Fang said they attended to about 18 patients per day.

He said the patients come in for various ailments and depending on their conditions, either a massage or acupuncture is used, which can treat over 500 ailments.

Fang added that some of the most common illnesses that patients seek treatment for include insomnia, back pain, neck pain, swollen legs and stomach aches.

“We use needles sometimes and other times we use traditional Chinese medicines to heal the patient,” said Fang.

Landless People’s Movement youth leader Duminga Ndala says although it is a good gesture for the ministry to expand Chinese medical services, it is also concerning.

“This dependence reflects a significant gap in our ability to provide for our citizens and highlights systemic failures in our governance and inability to effectively manage resources and prioritise the well-being of our people.

“It raises questions about our commitment to self-sufficiency and the long-term sustainability of our social programs,” she says.