Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula officially opened the Gcaruhwa Clinic in the Kavango West region on Wednesday.

The new clinic is expected to provide essential healthcare services to Gcaruhwa village and the surrounding areas, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances to access medical care.

Shangula stated the opening of the clinic is part of a broader strategic initiative to strengthen healthcare infrastructure across Namibia.

“The health ministry aims to build a robust healthcare system that not only establishes clinics and health centres, but also ensures their sustainability and effective operation,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of maintaining quality care, adequately training staff, and managing resources efficiently to serve the community.

The Gcaruhwa Clinic is located approximately 25 kilometres south of Nzinze village in the Musese Constituency, and about 60 kilometres from Nankudu District Hospital, which was previously the nearest healthcare facility for residents. 

The new clinic will significantly reduce the distance residents need to travel for medical services, improving access to healthcare for the community.

The minister stated that the opening of the clinic marks a significant step towards enhancing healthcare services in the Kavango West Region, and that it is expected to provide various medical services, including primary care and maternal and child health services.

He further highlighted the ministry’s dedication to not only establishing new healthcare facilities, but also ensuring their long-term sustainability. He called on the community to support the clinic, and make use of the services provided to improve their health and well being.

“The Gcaruhwa Clinic is a vital addition to the healthcare infrastructure in the region, and will play a crucial role in improving the overall health outcomes of the community. The Ministry of Health and Social Services plans to continue investing in healthcare infrastructure to ensure that all Namibians have access to quality healthcare services,” he noted. 

-Nampa