By Emma Kakololo WINDHOEK The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) Hospital at Grootfontein last week received medical equipment worth N$3,4 million from the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany. The NDF has benefited from German aid since 1992, with a total amount budgeted for it until 2008 running into more than N$100 million. Past donations included among others vehicles, training of cadets and officers. Germany was also responsible for setting up the field hospital with facilities to provide first aid to 100 pa- tients. Among the equipment donated last week were surgical equipment for performing basic and specialised surgical and orthopaedic operations, medical emergency and lifesaving equipment such as ultra-sound machines, medical laboratory equipment, X-ray tables designed for field mobile X-ray machines, hospital beds and mattresses and stretchers for evacuation and transporting casualties. Receiving the donations, Deputy Minister of Defence Victor Simunja pledged that the equipment would be distributed properly as well as maintained. He said the equipment came at the right time when the country was engaged in multi-national peacekeeping missions in Liberia, where troops require self-sustenance in terms of resources and having sufficient equipment in accordance with the United Nations (UN) medical standards. “As a United Nations, African Union (AU) and SADC member state, Namibia has an obligation to contribute to international, continental and regional peace, political stability development and humanitarian aid,” he stated. At home, he said, the Force has provided peace and security. “Although we are at peace, we live in a world that is full of risks and conflicts. Our noble task is therefore to guard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our motherland.” Simunja was pleased to note that an expert from Germany was available to provide in-service training to health workers at the hospital on the use of electronic medical equipment.