Staff Reporter
THE Ministry of Health and Social Services has moved to clarify misconceptions surrounding the “Vision April 2026” presidential directive after misinformation circulated suggesting that all civil servants would be required to use public health facilities from April.
According to the ministry, Phase 1 of the directive, which begins on 1 April 2026, will apply only to a limited group of 294 senior government officials and will not affect teachers, nurses, police officers, general civil servants, or their dependents.
The directive was issued by Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Namibia, as part of efforts to address inequalities in the country’s two-tier health system and to accelerate improvements in public healthcare services.
The ministry explained that the initiative aims to strengthen the public health sector, which currently serves more than 85% of Namibians. As part of these efforts, government has already fast-tracked the procurement of essential medical equipment worth N$239 million for health facilities nationwide and recruited 2,307 health workers since December 2025.
Authorities stressed that there is no directive forcing the broader public or the general civil service workforce to use state health facilities at this stage. Phase 1 is strictly limited to senior leadership, including the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, regional governors, executive directors, and heads of uniformed forces.
The ministry also dismissed claims that affected officials would lose access to their preferred private medical specialists. Under the arrangement, senior officials admitted to designated public health facilities may still be treated by their private doctors, who will be granted admission privileges similar to those they currently have at private hospitals.
Phase 1 will be implemented at seven designated public health facilities across the country: Windhoek Central Hospital, Katutura Intermediate Hospital, Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, Rundu Intermediate Hospital, the Walvis Bay/Swakopmund Hospital Complex, Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital, and Keetmanshoop District Hospital.
However, the ministry noted that senior officials may still use private health facilities when they are in areas where none of the designated facilities are available.
Preparatory work is already underway at the selected hospitals, including infrastructure renovations, procurement of medical equipment such as CT scanners and MRI machines, installation of electronic billing systems, and strengthening staffing through recruitment and skills development.
The ministry added that a second phase of the initiative is envisioned for 2027, focusing on improving district-level healthcare services. The phased approach is intended to expand specialist services and diagnostic capacity while ensuring the public health system is not overwhelmed.
The ministry urged the public to rely on verified information, emphasising that Vision April 2026 is aimed at building a stronger and more equitable healthcare system for all Namibians.
PICTURED: Executive Director at the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Penda Ithindi. Photo: MHSS
