KEETMANSHOOP – History has no blank pages. 

One of them was written last weekend through the inauguration of the very first State dialysis centre at the Keetmanshoop District Hospital.

The state-of-the-art facility, constructed at a cost of N$5 million from the N$20 million sponsored by the Social Security Commission of Namibia, will soon be supplied with more medical equipment to become operational soonest.

Delivering the keynote address, health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao said the moment marks a significant milestone in the government’s collective journey to advance equitable, accessible and people-centred healthcare for all Namibians. 

“This facility is far more than bricks, mortar and machines. It is a beacon of hope for patients who, for many years, were compelled to travel long distances, often to Windhoek, to access life-saving renal care, often at great personal, emotional and financial cost,’’ Luvindao said.

She continued: “While dialysis is a life-saving intervention, it is often a bridge rather than a final destination, as the gold standard for renal replacement therapy is kidney transplantation”. 

She then outlined the ministry’s plans of simultaneously laying the groundwork to introduce a national renal transplant service. “This initiative is vital because it offers a long-term, sustainable solution that frees patients from the tether of machines, allowing them to return to full, productive lives. This unit in Keetmanshoop is a critical node in that future network,” she added. 

Also speaking, //Kharas governor Dawid Gertze said the initiative is not merely the opening of a centre but also the fulfilment of a promise to uphold the sanctity of life and the right to accessible healthcare for every citizen in the vast region. “It reflects a deep understanding that a healthy nation is a productive nation, and that no citizen should be left behind due to their geographical location,” Gertze said. 

In his remarks, Evans Singa, acting senior medical officer at the hospital, said: “To our patients, this unit is for you. Your courage, resilience and trust in us have brought us to this moment, whilst the health workers’ dedication has turned a vision into reality as the heartbeat of the unit”. 

Additionally, Social Security Commission’s (SSC) //Kharas-and-Hardap regional manager, Charles Platt, said: “The SSC recognises the importance of ensuring that every individual has access to quality healthcare. This dialysis centre is a testimony of our commitment to supporting initiatives that make a meaningful difference in the lives of our communities”.

-sklukowski@nepc.com.na