Staff Reporter
THE Ministry of Health and Social Services has repurposed the 96-bed ward, constructed during the Covid-19 pandemic at Katutura Intermediate Hospital, into a 16-bed haemodialysis unit.
This was revealed by the Health Minister, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, at the facility’s inauguration. He explained that, while the unit was inaugurated on Wednesday, 11 September 2024, it has been functional since 17 July 2024.
“From 17 July 2024, this unit has been open and fully functional with 3 resident nurses. We now have 7 dialysis nurses and 3 resident nephrologists. Since we dialysed the first patient here in July, the unit has carried out a total of 118 sessions, during which 31 patients received dialysis,” the minister said.
HEALTH MADE ACCESSIBLE: Scenes from the inauguration of the dialysis unit at Katutura Intermediate Hospital. Photos: Ministry of Health and Social Services. 
HEALTH MADE ACCESSIBLE: Scenes from the inauguration of the dialysis unit at Katutura Intermediate Hospital. Photos: Ministry of Health and Social Services. 
HEALTH MADE ACCESSIBLE: Scenes from the inauguration of the dialysis unit at Katutura Intermediate Hospital. Photos: Ministry of Health and Social Services. 
HEALTH MADE ACCESSIBLE: Scenes from the inauguration of the dialysis unit at Katutura Intermediate Hospital. Photos: Ministry of Health and Social Services.
He added that staff training on the renal haemodialysis machine was completed on 17 July 2024, with the first patient dialysed the same day.
“The cost of the building was N$2.9 million; the total cost of equipment was N$6.8 million; water treatment cost N$2 million, and the cost of the chairs amounted to N$4.8 million. The total investment is N$16.5 million,” Shangula added.
The health minister highlighted that the commissioning of the dialysis unit marks a significant milestone for the country’s public health sector, as dialysis services have been unavailable in many public health facilities for years, despite the increasing demand for this life-saving treatment. He explained that dialysis is crucial for individuals with chronic kidney failure.
“Those with chronic kidney failure cannot properly filter their blood due to the kidneys’ lack of function. This can lead to a dangerous build-up of water, waste, and salt. If left untreated, it can be fatal. Dialysis is necessary to filter out these unwanted substances and maintain a healthy balance in the blood. This unit offers a place for patients to receive this life-saving treatment,” Shangula explained.
He emphasised that the commissioning of the Renal Dialysis Unit at Katutura Intermediate Hospital is “just the beginning,” as the ministry aims to further expand access to these services in public health facilities.
He revealed that dialysis services have previously only been available to patients in intensive care units (ICU) at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, with five haemodialysis machines, Rundu Intermediate Hospital with two, and Windhoek Central Hospital with seven.
“One-and-a-half years ago, the Ministry decided to establish a dialysis programme in seven strategic hospitals to operationalise comprehensive, modern, functional chronic dialysis units at these facilities. As part of this programme, Oshakati Intermediate Hospital will be equipped with 16 machines; Katutura Intermediate Hospital, 16 machines; Rundu Intermediate Hospital, eight machines; Keetmanshoop District Hospital, five machines; Katima Mulilo District Hospital, six machines; Walvis Bay District Hospital, six machines; and Otjiwarongo District Hospital, six machines,” he added.
