State healthcare gaps laid bare in Psemas survey

About 60% of members of the government’s medical aid fund, Psemas, say the availability of specialists is the main reason they seek healthcare in the private rather than the public sector.

The finding forms part of an online survey conducted by the health ministry to gather feedback from Psemas members on their attitudes, perceptions and expectations regarding service delivery at public healthcare facilities.

The survey targeted Psemas beneficiaries, including senior government officials and ordinary civil servants. A total of 2 949 members participated in the online survey between 3 and 11 March.

Shorter waiting times (58.5%) closely followed the availability of specialists as a reason for preferring private healthcare, while 35.7% cited access to advanced diagnostic tests. Convenience motivated 13.1% of respondents.

Among those who preferred public healthcare facilities, Windhoek Central Hospital was the most popular choice at 42.8%, followed by Katutura State Hospital at 26.2%, Rundu State Hospital at 11%, and the state hospitals in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay at 9.2%.

Participants indicated they would be willing to use public healthcare facilities for specialist consultations, diagnostic and emergency services, as well as outpatient care.

Regarding digital healthcare solutions, 43% of respondents said they were willing to try them, while 34% remained uncertain.

More than half of respondents said acceptable waiting times at state facilities should be less than an hour. To improve confidence in the public healthcare sector, 44.3% highlighted the need for better infrastructure and medical equipment, while 27.8% pointed to the availability of specialists.

The ministry said the survey provides critical, evidence-based insight into the expectations and preferences of Psemas beneficiaries.

It added that the survey would help identify gaps in the service delivery system, particularly in relation to resource allocation in high-impact areas, accountability and performance monitoring.

According to the ministry, the findings could help align healthcare services more closely with the needs of patients. The survey will be conducted every three months to identify both challenges and opportunities in the public healthcare sector.

The ministry acknowledged concerns about service delivery in the state sector and said the survey results would help establish clear and actionable priorities for reform.

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