Omaheke has upgraded its hospitals and clinics to support planned and routine care to ensure all patients are safe and receive professional treatment.
Regional governor Pijoo Nganate made this announcement last month during the state of the region address (SORA).
Additionally, according to Nganate, the health directorate filled open positions for two assistant pharmacists, five medical officers, one occupational therapist, 23 registered nurses, 11 enrolled nurses, two drivers, one administrative officer, four cleaners, and two labourers during the previous fiscal year.
“Our region was amongst the hardest hit by the pandemic and many precious lives were lost.”
“Our health sector was under attack and was dealt a huge blow. We have however learned from our shortfalls and are somewhat able to rise to the occasion,” Nganate said while addressing the region’s inhabitants.
According to him, the second phase of the N$1.2 million Old Hospital refurbishment project to make room for Covid-19 patients is now complete.
Also, he said: “A containerised mortuary was donated by Namport and another containerised mortuary was installed by Central Technical Supplies.”
He added that the roof of the pharmacy at the Gobabis State Hospital was renovated.
Nganate further said the tonnes medical gas tank at the old hospital was donated by the Welsh government through Cardiff University.
Also, he said the installations of medical gas points at the infectious and respiratory disease centre and Covid-19 isolation ward at Gobabis Old Hospital were completed at a cost of N$ 1, 1million.
“Water tanks and tank towers were erected at Epukiro Post 3 clinic at a cost of N$74 592.46; Supply and installation of a new generator set at the infectious and respiratory disease centre and Covid-19 isolation health facility cost N$483 787.35,” he said.
Nganate warned locals that the Covid-19 pandemic is still alive and that people should exercise vigilance, adhere to the procedures, and take safety measures to protect themselves.
He said his office, with the regional leadership, initiated the ‘Hope Amidst Covid’ campaign, which, according to him, is aimed at inculcating hope within the residents following the devastating Covid-19 effects during June and July last year.
The governor said during this campaign and as part of extending government services to the grassroots level, additional services were rendered, which, among others, included the registration of births, the issuance of relevant documentation, and the registration of people living with disabilities.
“Special and particular attention should be placed on the issue of our brothers and sisters living with disabilities. We should not plan on their behalf, their needs are unique and their solutions are best known to them.”
“We cannot continue to apply the one size fits all formula. It is without a doubt that immunisation remains the most effective mechanism in the fight against Covid-19,” he said.
He said to date, the region’s health directorate conducted successful integrated immunisation/Covid-19 vaccination campaigns, based on a target population of 70%.
“The region’s Covid-19 vaccination target was 51 756. By 9 April 2022, Omaheke was ranked second in the country on first dose coverage and the coverage stood at 43.4%,” he said.
He said the region also tested a total number of 30 002 persons, of which 5 328 persons (18%) were confirmed positive for Covid-19.
“A total of 4 913 cases (92%) have recovered, 326 deaths (6%) were recorded and 26 610 persons were quarantined/isolated up to date,” he said.