The dilapidated Onaanda clinic in Omusati Region is slated to become a health centre in the near future.
During the 2015 financial year the clinic will receive two additional staff to push the figure to three so that staff can adequately attend to about ten patients daily.
Currently the clinic in its rundown condition serves a population of 21 000.
Elim Constituency Councillor Gerhard Shiimi said apart from the two additional staff slated for this financial year, it is most likely the clinic will be renovated and upgraded to a health centre, depending on the outcome of a current feasibility study.
However, the renovation is planned for 2016/17.
“The clinic is scheduled to become a health centre in the 2016/17 financial year, however there is a possibility that it might also be this year. We are just waiting for the feasibility study then we will see,” said Shiimi.
After the renovation the clinic will have admission beds while doctors will regularly visit the health facility.
Shiimi said there was a high demand for the clinic to be upgraded as it would cater for three constituencies – Otamanzi, Uuvudhiya and Elim.
Currently some patients from the area especially those who are involved in accidents either go to Okahao, Oshikuku or Oshakati for medical care.
Shiimi says the distance to the hospital is vast, which also at times causes pregnant mothers to give birth prematurely on the way to hospital.
“Two women are said to have delivered on the way to hospital,” said Shiimi.
Those knowing the clinic since 1980 when its was established said it previously had admission beds and attended to delivering mothers.