Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula says criticism of the state of the Katutura Intermediate Hospital while it is undergoing renovations is misplaced.
“It is unfortunate that certain assertions are made and accepted as the truth without understanding the context of a particular matter,” He said while responding to questions posed by Landless People’s Movement lawmaker Utaara Mootu recently.
He said the ongoing renovations aim to improve service delivery and enhance hygiene to make patients’ experiences more pleasant.
The government has allocated N$40 million for the renovations of the Katutura Intermediate Hospital.
The hospital has been in existence for more than 50 years.
More so, Shangula said Cabinet has approved a N$16 billion plan to strengthen the public health system in the country.
The plan involves the implementation of different interventions such as the renovation, expansion and modernisation of physical infrastructure, the recruitment of health professionals in different disciplines, medical equipment, ambulances and other interventions.
He further said the plan aims to strengthen and improve service delivery in different parts of the country, including the establishment of licensed units as well as intensive care units in all district hospitals across the country.
“The implementation of this project will bring services closer to the people so that they do not have to travel long distances to receive care; it is part of our march towards universal healthcare coverage,” said the lawmaker.
On the food provided at state hospitals, Shangula said the quantity of food provided to the patients is determined according to their dietary needs.
“The majority of patients consume ordinary food. There are some who are on special diets, including those suffering from diabetes mellitus and other ailments, or those who have a liquid diet. Generally, patients are provided with three meals per day, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Patients may require to be provided with meals at fewer intervals, depending on their treatment plans,” he expanded.
The minister said the ministry does not tolerate any form of non-compliance.
“The ministry will not hesitate to recommend to the Central Procurement Board of Namibia any defaulting company from taking part in procurement activities related to the provision of catering services to public entities,” he said.
On the issue of hygiene, Shangula said the cleanliness, and hygiene of healthcare facilities is one of the ministry’s top priorities.
To this effect, in-house cleaning staff are deployed to maintain the highest standards across all healthcare facilities in the country.
“These cleaners operate on a schedule that includes thorough morning and evening routines to coincide with periods of minimal patient movement. These schedules allow for comprehensive cleaning while minimising disruption to patient care. Consequently, there may be instances during the day where some waste is visible,” he said.
-psiririka@nepc.com.na