Zebaldt Ngaruka
National Unity Democratic Organisation Member of Parliament Vetaruhe Kandorozu said the national budget must address the shortage of health facilities in the country.
For the 2025/26 financial year, the Ministry of Health and Social Services was allocated N$ 12.3 billion.
Kandorozu made his input to the budget in parliament recently.
He stated that the Okatumba Gate in the Omaheke region’s Otjombinde constituency, Otjikango Tjozongarangombe in the Okakarara constituency and Ondjora in the Epukiro constituency as well as other areas in the country must receive special attention in terms of resource allocation.
“There is a lot to be done, which brings us back to the issue of deliverables when it comes to capital project completion. This ministry’s execution rate is one of the worst in the whole government,” he said.
In addition, the MP is worried about the incomplete health facilities countrywide.
“It takes up to five years to complete a clinic or health centre. If you go throughout the country, you will be welcomed by incomplete health facilities,” Kandorozu argued.
He added that the shortage of nurses and doctors is a significant concern.
He thus called for proper coordination between the ministry of health and education ministry to ensure educational programmes align with market needs.
“As I am speaking now, there is only one nurse at the Gam clinic. When she takes patients to the hospital, she closes the clinic. You are gambling with citizens’ lives,” he said.
Kandorozu added that the country’s medical facilities lack essential resources, such as pharmaceutical products, ambulances and household equipment.
Additionally, the MP said nurses’ attitudes leave much to be desired.
“Many patients have voiced their complaints about the treatment they receive from nurses while they are unwell. They note that the tone of their language can be quite rud, and that they often do not know how to address patients appropriately. The issue of confidentiality is at stake at that ministry,” he said.