By William J. Mbangula ONAYENA Ten newly graduated Namibian medical doctors will this week be commissioned into service by the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the Health Minister Richard Kamwi said at a recent meeting with the community here. Responding to questions about the need for a doctor at Onayena Health Centre, the minister said good news is awaiting the nation this week. “I am proud to announce that next week I will receive our own 10 Namibian medical doctors. It is part of our strategy to send each year at least 30 potential candidates for medical training to South Africa and elsewhere,” he said. At times, the Government had to rely on friendly countries such as Cuba and others for medical personnel. He urged parents to encourage their children to take subjects such as mathematics and science in order to qualify for medical training. “I want to suggest that each region should have two candidates. The same thing should apply to the training of nurses. At the moment, there is a programme of training 300 nurses each year at Oshakati, Rundu, Otjiwarongo, Keetmanshoop and Windhoek. Each region should have a stake in this programme which is fully sponsored by the Government,” he urged. The minister expressed hope that the programme will help address the shortage of nurses in Namibia, which is one of the most serious challenges facing his ministry. The community requested an additional clinic at Elombe, which has been under discussion for a long time. On this issue, he said the Elombe clinic proposal still stands but a feasibility study will have to be conducted first to ascertain whether or not it qualifies for such a facility. “You need only to be patient with regard to the proposed Elombe clinic. The Director of Health will soon report back to you,” he promised. Swapo mobiliser in Onayena constituency Quito Mulunga commended the minister for his unreserved dedication to serving his people. Despite having experienced problems with his flight, Mulunga noted, he did not give up. Instead he volunteered to drive to Onayena at short notice in order to address the plight of the community. “Other people of his stature would have used the excuse of a flight problem not to be here but he did not do that since he is committed to serving the nation,” Mulunga lauded the minister.