Walvis Bay– President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the government has no problem with middlemen in the health sector, but it becomes a concern when prices are inflated to the point that the nation is being robbed. She made the remarks at the Kuisebmond Stadium during the launch of the Swapo’s 2025 regional councils and local authority election campaign, ahead of next month’s elections.

Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed thousands of Swapo supporters at a packed Kuisebmond Stadium, where she said youth empowerment and natural beneficiation are key in her quest to deliver on the promises she made during her election as president of the country last year.

The president also said that government is focused on delivering and improving access to health care in the country. However, she said medicine prices inflated by middlemen have been a real challenge in the past, but over the last six months, since they cut them out, they have made substantial savings that will be reinvested in the health sector.

“You cannot buy medicine that should cost N$10 and charge N$60. That is robbery of the nation,” President Nandi-Ndaitwah told Swapo supporters. She explained that the government has removed unnecessary intermediaries in medical procurement and now buys directly from suppliers. “Already, we have made savings of N$221 million, which will be reinvested into the health sector,” she added.

Nandi-Ndaitwah added that middlemen are part of the business environment but pointed out that their operations must be fair and transparent.

“We have no problem with middlemen, but they must operate in a way that protects our people. The interest of Namibians comes first, always,” she said, adding that these reforms form part of wider efforts to improve service delivery across the country, and that by ensuring resources are managed properly, government can reinvest savings into hospitals, clinics, and essential medical services.

Health minister Esperance Luvindao confirmed that 41 pre-qualified manufacturers and wholesalers submitted offers for essential medicines and clinical products, resulting in potential savings of about N$221 million compared to intermediary-led procurement.

“Direct procurement guarantees the same quality medicines at lower costs, ensuring more stock for the benefit of our public health system and our people,” Luvindao said. She added that the reform is implemented under emergency provisions of the Public Procurement Act of 2015, allowing faster access to urgently needed medicines and stabilising stock levels across the country. –Edeklerk@nepc.com.na