Staff Reporter
THE Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, has said that the Ministry of Health has received a total of N$10.9 billion for the financial year 2024/25, from which a total of N$457 million will be used for infrastructure development.
The health minister said that with the population growth from 2.1 million in 2011 to 3 million in 2023, the increased population size has put pressure on the health sector. He added that more than 85% of the Namibian population depends on public health and social services provided through hospitals and other health facilities managed by the Ministry. These include 322 clinics, 56 health centres, 34 district hospitals, 4 intermediate hospitals, and 1 national referral hospital. In addition, there are more than 1,150 outreach points.
Dr. Shangula said that the Ministry has implemented and is implementing various programs, projects, and activities to expand and improve access to public health and social services. The projects include the construction of new health facilities, maintenance of existing ones, procurement of medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, clinical supplies, ambulances, and their accessories.
The Health Minister said that prior to COVID-19, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds were limited to Windhoek Central Hospital, Katutura Intermediate Hospital, Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, and Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital, with a total number of 35 ICU beds.
Dr. Shangula said that in order to limit referrals to far-away hospitals and for the convenience of patients, the Ministry has embarked on a project to construct intensive care units at various hospitals. To date, the total number of ICU beds created in the public sector stands at 97. He further added that the Ministry is pursuing the investment in intensive care units in all 14 regional hospitals. The ICUs for Katima Mulilo and Keetmanshoop District Hospitals were completed in 2023.
The minister also said that the Ministry has advertised bids for the construction of Intensive Care Units at Windhoek Central Hospital Paediatric Unit, Mariental District Hospital, Gobabis District Hospital, and Rundu Intermediate Hospital.
“The construction of the Intensive Care Unit at Rundu Intermediate Hospital has commenced. For Windhoek Central Hospital Paediatric Intensive Care Units, Mariental Hospital Intensive Care Units, and Gobabis Hospital Intensive Care Units, the contract awards are about to be finalized. With regard to Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, the bidding process for the development of the new intensive care unit, theatre, and Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) have been concluded. The construction of a new theatre at Gobabis District Hospital has started,” Dr. Shangula said.
Touching on ongoing renovations, the health minister said that major renovations at Katutura Intermediate Hospital include civil, electrical, and mechanical services for Floors 2–8 West and East Wings. The 7th Floor renovations have been completed, and renovations of the other floors have commenced. Dr. Shangula added that the renovation is a joint undertaking with the Ministry of Works and Transport with regard to technical and financial support.
Other renovations include: repair of elevators WE 227 and WE 228 at Windhoek Central Hospital, installation of water tank towers and connection to the water reticulation system at Mariental District Hospital, Kalkrand, Hoachanas, Stampriet, Henties Bay, Otjimbingwe, Oshalongo, Oshigambo, Olukupa, and Oshivelo Clinics.
The ministry is also making installations of signboards at Henties Bay, Otjimbingwe, Tubusis, Uis, and Spitzkoppe Clinics, and replacements of the existing roof structure at Tallismanus Clinic, Ohandungu Clinic, and Okalongo Health Centre, amongst many other projects.
The minister also announced the construction of Windhoek District Hospital, which will provide relief to Katutura Intermediate Hospital and free up space for specialized services. The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on 9 May 2024.
