OTJIMBINGWE – For pregnant women of Otjimbingwe, travelling to Karibib for urgent care is now a thing of the past.
This is after Lepidico Chemicals Namibia, a lithium processing company based in Karibib donated a prefabricated emergency maternity shelter to the Ministry of Health and Social Services for Otjimbingwe clinic in Erongo region on Tuesday.
The facility comprises a delivery bed with an examination lamp, two patient monitoring beds, a sluice, a toilet, a wheelchair and other essential medical equipment.
Previously, expectant women in labour had to endure a challenging 90km journey to Karibib hospital for medical assistance, as the Otjimbingwe clinic lacked sufficient space for emergency deliveries and newborn baby resuscitation, before referring patients to Usakos district hospital.
During the facility handover ceremony, health executive director Ben Nangombe lamented the persistent challenges that come with transporting patients for emergency deliveries from Otjimbingwe to Usakos, emphasising the potential complications that may arise along the way.
“Otjimbingwe is the second busiest clinic in the area, and it has always been a challenge to transport women in labour due to potential complications such as bleeding, retained placenta, and birth asphyxia.
“This generous donation will significantly assist the government in reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in the area and the country as a whole,” Nangombe said.
He urged pregnant women to seek early antenatal care to minimise the risk of complications during childbirth.
“Let us visit our healthcare facilities as soon as possible to ensure good health for both ourselves and our babies. It is possible to give birth without complications and have healthy babies,” Nangombe appealed.
Erongo governor Neville Andre echoed Nangombe’s sentiment at the event, highlighting the donation’s significance, saying it contributes to the government’s goal of fostering smart partnerships with the private sector.
“This exemplifies yet another smart partnership, where communities are involved in their own health in collaboration with the public-private sector. It demonstrates that access to healthcare facilities is a reality,” Andre added.
Lepidico MD Joe Walsh expressed eagerness to collaborate with the health ministry and reiterated the company’s commitment to giving back to the community as a token of appreciation for their operations in the area.
– edeklerk@nepc.com.na