Auleria Wakudumo
The National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) has accused the government of failing to address the worsening shortage of medicines and medical supplies in public health facilities across Namibia.
Nudo warned that the country’s healthcare system is deteriorating and placing the lives of Namibians at risk.
In a press statement issued by the party’s parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu, the party said the shortage of medicines in state hospitals and clinics has reached critical levels, despite assurances from the Ministry of Health and Social Services that supplies have recently been delivered to the Central Medical Stores.
Kandorozu questioned claims by health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao that medicine stock levels had improved to around 60% following deliveries made between 27 April and 15 May 2026.
He argued that many essential medicines and medical items remain unavailable at hospitals and clinics countrywide, contrary to Luvindao’s assertions. He said this includes blood pressure medication, injectable medicines, colostomy bags and condoms.
“The real delivery is only a few tablets, syrups and injectables with limited quantities, while hospitals are still operating with very little stock,” he said.
The MP further alleged that some hospitals are being forced to borrow medicines and supplies from private hospitals while public healthcare workers continue to ration the limited stock available.
The criticism follows growing public frustration over persistent medicine shortages in state facilities, with many patients complaining that they are being referred to private pharmacies to purchase prescribed medicines at their own cost.
Kandorozu also raised concern over reports that some state theatres are not operating fully due to shortages of anaesthetic medicines, forcing patients to be referred to private hospitals at government expense.
He further criticised President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah over recent remarks expressing concern about the medicine shortages, saying the government should provide clear timelines on when critical supplies will arrive and which medicines are expected.
The health ministry, in a statement released on 17 May 2026, acknowledged challenges in the procurement and supply of medicines but maintained that deliveries had started arriving at the central medical stores.
The ministry said efforts were underway to stabilise stock levels and improve the distribution of medicines to hospitals and clinics across the country.
It also indicated that some pharmaceutical products had already been distributed to health facilities, although certain items remained on back order due to supply chain challenges.
However, Nudo argues that the supplies delivered so far are insufficient to meet the country’s healthcare demands.
The party is now calling on government to urgently address the shortages and ensure that essential medicines are consistently available in all public health facilities.