Rudolf Gaiseb

United Democratic Front (UDF) parliamentarian Nico Somaeb has called for the decentralisation of nursing licence registration to the regional level.

Somaeb said nurses are facing delays and incurring high travel costs as they are required to travel from various regions to the Khomas Region to register with the Health Professions Council of Namibia (HPCNA).

“I was at the National Council and saw long queues of nurses waiting to submit their registration. Some raised concerns that they had to hitchhike or travel long distances from outside towns just to register,” he said in parliament on Tuesday.

He expressed concern about nurses in remote areas such as Kunene, Kavango and Zambezi, who may have missed the initial deadline.

“My concern is about those in remote areas who could not make it by 20 March,” he added.

Somaeb proposed that the health ministry decentralise registration services to regional offices or hospitals to fast-track the process and reduce the burden on healthcare workers.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has since extended the registration deadline to 31 March 2026, following its initial expiry last Friday.

Health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao confirmed in parliament that concerns had been raised about the deadline and the challenges faced by nurses travelling long distances.

“My office approved an extension. As for long-term sustainability, that is a matter for future consideration,” she said. Luvindao added that discussions are ongoing between the ministry and the Health Professions Council of Namibia to find sustainable solutions.

“We are engaging to find long-term ways to accommodate those needing to register in the regions in a timely manner, to avoid future extensions,” she said.

Health practitioners have been urged to apply for and obtain licences before the new deadline.

According to a communiqué, registered practitioners will be deemed licensed until 31 March 2027, or until they obtain a licence earlier.

-newsroom@nepc.com