Julia Kamarenga
Health and Social Services’ minister Kalumbi Shangula commissioned a 4.2 tonnes medical oxygen tank at the Gobabis State Hospital last week.
“Health is everyone’s business. It is not the responsibility of the Ministry of Health and Social Services alone. It is a shared responsibility. It requires the involvement and participation of all stakeholders to ensure the delivery of quality services to all citizens,” were his opening words at the occasion.
He said while the overall objective of the donated oxygen tank is to support the ministry’s efforts in the fight against Covid-19 and improve medical oxygen supply capacity, the primary objective is to support infrastructural development to aid outbreak responses and case management in the region, and consequently contribute to the overall national response and case management.
According to the minister, Omaheke recorded the highest Covid-19 fatality rate of over 7% at the peak of the pandemic, surpassing the national average of about 2.7%.
Shangula, who has been on a regional tour, remarked that the vastness of the Omaheke region indeed calls for health facilities and services to be taken closer to the people.
He also revealed that the government is planning to create an eight-bed intensive care unit (ICU) at the Gobabis hospital, a move that will curb the number of patients being rushed to Windhoek for ICU services.
Echoing the minister’s affirmations, vice chancellor of the University of Namibia Kenneth Matengu said the ministry of health needs external hands for it to be able to succeed extensively, and gave the assurance that the university will continue to give a hand where it can to increase access to health for the Namibian people.
He added that the generous support of over N$130 million from the Welsh government enabled them to supply oxygen tanks not only to Omaheke but the Zambezi, Kavango West and Otjozondjupa regions.
“I stand here before you a man filled with hope; hopeful that a new day has dawned upon the region; hopeful that this oxygen tank is an indication of our alacrity. Hopeful that now we are ready and well-equipped, should the need arise,’ said Pijoo Nganate, governor of the Omaheke region.
He noted that although the health sector was under attack and dealt with a huge blow, the region has learned from the shortfalls, and they are somewhat able to rise to the occasion.
Nganate said the noble donation by the Cardiff University and Welsh government “resonates with our government’s vision to ensure improvement in the supply of medical oxygen”.
Dr Mbatjiua Mukuahima, who was celebrated by many as one selfless and dedicated medical expert during the pandemic, said amidst various resources that the region needed, oxygen was the biggest one.