Staff Reporter
THE Ministry of Health and Social Services has responded to reports of a critical shortage of medicines at Rundu State Hospital and clinics, saying the shortage of pharmaceuticals is not an isolated matter but rather an issue currently being experienced countrywide.
“The situation at Rundu State Hospital and our local clinics has reached a breaking point, and the people of Rundu need answers. Today, patients are arriving with hope and leaving with nothing. There are no medications. Prescriptions are being written, but the shelves are empty. This means people are being sent home sick, without treatment, without relief. This is very dangerous, especially for those living with chronic conditions — diabetes, high blood pressure, HIV, TB, asthma and heart disease. For them, a missed dose is not just discomfort. It can mean complications, emergency admissions or lives put at risk,” one concerned citizen wrote regarding the state of public healthcare in Rundu.
In response, Walters Kamaya, Ministry of Health and Social Services spokesperson, said it would be difficult to specifically respond to the medicine shortage faced in Rundu alone, as it is an issue currently being experienced countrywide.
Kamaya, however, said the issue is being actively addressed by the health ministry, which he said has resolved to provide monthly updates on the stock levels of pharmaceuticals at government’s Central Medical Stores countrywide.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has cut out expensive middlemen by entering into direct agreements with 41 international medicine suppliers, an initiative expected to save the country more than N$200 million.
As of 2 July 2026, the health ministry said it had received and distributed 33 line items of critically needed medicines across the supply chain since 18 June.
Namibian President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted in May 2026 that one of her biggest concerns remains the shortage of pharmaceuticals in state health facilities and has pushed for stronger local pharmaceutical production.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Contributed
