The establishment of clinics is part of government’s drive to expand and improve access to healthcare services, and to demonstrate commitment to realising the goals of Universal Health Coverage, says health minister Kalumbi Shangula.
The construction of health facilities such as the Malengalenga Clinic ensures that patients and clients do not walk long distances to access healthcare services.
“The primary healthcare services are now available close by, and members of the community can access them as when needed. This is what we wish to achieve through Universal Health Coverage,” he said during the inauguration of the Malengalenga Clinic in Zambezi recently.
He said investing in primary healthcare clinics like one at Malengalenga, which cost N$14504 986, would bring essential health services closer to the communities.
“This clinic will transform healthcare delivery in Malengalenga, as it has reduced the distances people walk to access services, and it will offer comprehensive care, ranging from maternal and child health to chronic disease management and preventive services,” said the minister.
Over the past few months, the government commissioned new health facilities, including health posts and clinics in different parts of the country.
Additionally, the ministry has started the construction of a District Hospital in Windhoek.
Namibia has more than 1150 health outreach points, 290 primary healthcare clinics, and 44 health centres distributed across the country, ensuring that more than 76% of the population lives within a 10-kilometre radius of a healthcare facility.
“There are 34 district hospitals, four intermediate hospitals, and a national referral hospital. These facilities offer a wide range of health solutions, including specialised and complex services. Namibia is one of the few countries in Africa that can provide complex open-heart surgery, brain surgery, radiation therapy for cancer, and other services,” Shangula added.
At the inauguration of the Linyanti primary healthcare clinic in the region, he said Namibia is currently implementing a costed plan to address identified shortcomings in the public health sector.
“These include the renovation of existing health facilities; building new facilities; procurement of pharmaceuticals and clinical supplies; procurement of medical equipment; procurement of ambulances, and recruitment of healthcare professionals in different disciplines,” he mentioned.