By William J. Mbangula
Oshakati
The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has become a shareholder in the privately-owned Medipark hospital in Ongwediva. It has financed the hospital’s radiography facilities to the tune of N$14 million.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the DBN David Nuyoma signed the agreement with the head of the hospital’s Radiography Department Dr Solomon Ntseke last Friday.
Nuyoma said the DBN lauded the pioneers of the Medipark, saying they had come up with a good initiative for the development of the country.
The acquisition of radiography equipment by the hospital here will bring Ongwediva Medipark to the standard of similar institutions in the country.
Nuyoma said when they were approached for assistance, DBN did not hesitate to favourably consider the request because it is a major development effort for the country.
Nuyoma added: “We have agreed that in order to avoid the hospital being burdened with the responsibility of repaying the loan, DBN has become a shareholder in this facility. We consider this venture to be the type of business that affects positively the welfare of the people here.
“We hope this assistance will go a long way to help many people here because I was informed that such facilities are the only ones in the north. It is said that patients in need of such treatment (radiography) will have to be taken to Windhoek at a cost of close to N$40 000 per person.”
Speaking at the event, Dr Ntseke said the signing of the financing agreement was historical given the fact that the CT Scan (valued at N$2 million) and other related facilities are the only ones available in the north.
Ntseke noted: “We are making inroads through arranging with the Government to cut costs by providing the necessary treatment here rather than taking the patients to Windhoek.” The South African-born Ntseke emphasised the need to provide further training for medical personnel in the region as part of the continuous training needed in the world of modern technology.
He previously worked at the Johannesburg General Hospital, which together with the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital trains medical doctors.
Ntseke explained that the Radiography Department is what one can call the engine of the hospital, without which no proper diagnostic process could be carried out, hence the assistance by the DBN was appreciated.
Since he started working here in June, about 180 patients were scanned. This is an indication that in future his department will have a hectic schedule in dealing with such patients, more especially when the Government starts using the facilities instead of sending patients to Windhoek.
Ongwediva Medipark was officially opened by President Hifikepunye Pohamba in May. He lauded its establishment as a step in the right direction.
He said at the time such a private hospital and others would help the Government fulfil its objectives of reducing existing inequalities in the health sector.
The 50-bed hospital, built at a cost of N$46 million, was established as part of the public-private partnership involving the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP), Ongwediva Town Council, Old Mutual and others. It is the only and first privately-owned hospital in the north apart from the church-run institutions.