Nujoma-era Learjet earmarked for air ambulance service

A government Learjet acquired during founding president Sam Nujoma's administration is being considered for conversion into an air ambulance as the health ministry seeks to improve emergency patient transfers across Namibia.Network Media Hub (NMH) has learnt that the aircraft, which was previously used as an air ambulance, could be officially handed over to the health ministry by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on 4 November.However, the Office of the President says discussions about the aircraft are still at the planning stage and no final decision has been approved.The proposed arrangement follows an admission by health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao that patients have died while being transferred between health facilities, prompting the government to explore the establishment of a dedicated national air ambulance service.The ministry has not confirmed whether the Learjet has been formally allocated to it or how much it would cost to refurbish the aircraft for medical use.Sources familiar with the discussions say preparations are underway for the aircraft to be transferred to the health ministry, with a simulation exercise also being planned.However, executive director in the Office of the President Mateus Kaholongo cautioned that the proposal had not yet received official approval.“The whole thing is at the planning stage. It is still being formalised. It has not been adopted and approved,” he said.Transport minister Veikko Nekundi did not immediately respond to questions sent to him, while the ministry's executive director, Jonas Sheelongo, referred enquiries to Kaholongo.A source close to the matter said the health ministry was planning to conduct a simulation involving the aircraft soon, although no date was provided.The aircraft could also support medical outreach programmes in remote areas and regions affected by natural disasters.“The proposed Learjet will not only be about patient needs but outreach programmes in the north as well, such as when floods hit,” a source said.Another source with medical knowledge said Learjets are suitable for medical evacuation and could strengthen the ministry's ability to provide emergency patient care.Patients died during transfersThe proposal comes after Luvindao acknowledged last month that patients had died while being transported to referral hospitals.At the time, the minister said the health ministry was reviewing its records to determine how many patients had died during transfers over the preceding 24 months.“While the ministry strives for zero in-transit mortality, we do acknowledge that devastating incidences have occurred, and the ministry must do something about it,” she said.Luvindao also disclosed that a high-level multi-stakeholder task force was assessing the feasibility of establishing a dedicated national air ambulance service.She said the initiative would reduce emergency transfer times, particularly for critically ill patients in remote regions who must travel long distances to reach specialised medical facilities.“This vital initiative aims to strengthen medical response, drastically reduce trauma times for critically ill patients, particularly from distant areas, and ultimately improve survival and recovery outcomes,” she said.Sam Nujoma Foundation chairperson Nahas Angula welcomed the possibility of using the aircraft to improve access to medical services, particularly for people living far from major hospitals.“If it is true, this is a good idea. Namibia is a land of distance, and it would be great for people to get medical services faster, like those deep in Katima," he said.The Learjet's history dates to 1994, when the government acquired the executive aircraft during Nujoma's presidency.The purchase attracted public scrutiny over government expenditure, with reports at the time indicating that the Learjet 31A cost more than N$10 million.The acquisition was acknowledged in early 1995 by then prime minister Hage Geingob, who later became Namibia's third president.More than three decades after its acquisition, the aircraft is now being considered for a medical role, although its proposed transfer, refurbishment costs and operational arrangements remain subject to official approval.

Nujoma-era Learjet earmarked for air ambulance service

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-15

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Nujoma-era Learjet earmarked for air ambulance service

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-15

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