Govt expands healthcare access to 76% of Namibians

Health and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula says since independence, the government has provided healthcare services to approximately 76% of Namibians.

This is through the provision of health facilities within a 10km radius, staffed by skilled personnel.

He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Ministerial National Health and Social Welfare Conference yesterday.

“We have built new clinics, health centres and other health facilities across the length and breadth of the country,” Shangula said.

He noted that several projects were undertaken during the 2023/24 financial year to construct, upgrade and renovate hospitals and other health facilities. These include expanding intensive care unit facilities to all district hospitals around the country and expanding and upgrading the provision of medical oxygen at various hospitals and health centres across Namibia.

“The public health system serves over 85% of our population. Put differently, 85% of the Namibian population depends on the state funded public health sector for their health needs, which they receive against the payment of a token fee.”

Shangula said the government has been consistent in its financial commitment to the health sector.

“Namibia is one of the few African countries to achieve, and in some years, surpass the Abuja Declaration that obligates African governments to allocate no less than 15% of their national budget to health,” Shangula said.

He emphasised that the misuse of alcohol and abuse of other intoxicating and “stupefying illicit substances” are on the increase, as well as suicides and cases of sexual and gender-based violence.

“These vices are destroying our nation. They are contributing to the burden that healthcare and social workers are carrying,” Shangula said.

He said that the ministry’s human resources for health strategy saw significant recruitment in 2023, filling 506 positions, with an emphasis on enrolled and registered nurses, pharmacists and dentists.

“Our target is to double these figures in 2024, reinforcing our workforce. When I visit the hospitals, the main concern is the shortage of critical professionals. Although in most cases, all vacant posts are filled, the need for extra manpower remains.”

Shangula encouraged all health facilities that host interns to ensure they offer a conducive learning environment for the next generation of health leaders.

Speaking at the same event, deputy minister of health and social services Esther Muinjangue said social determinants significantly impact health, and strategies must go beyond clinic walls to address factors that contribute to inequality and health disparities.

“Effective action in these areas demands collaborative efforts across sectors and innovative solutions that break down traditional silos,” Muinjangue said.