Shangula highlights govt healthcare benefits

In a recent update on Namibia&#039;s healthcare capacity and infrastructure, Health Minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula highlighted the low cost of state healthcare services.Shangula made these remarks following the adoption of the Universal Health Coverage policy.He said the ministry operates one national referral hospital, three intermediate hospitals, 34 district hospitals, 44 health centres, 280 clinics and nearly 10 000 outreach points across the country.The minister underlined that affordability remains a key focus, highlighting that Namibians over the age of 60 are exempt from paying fees, and no one is denied healthcare due to an inability to pay.Additionally, essential promotive, preventive and outreach services, such as antenatal and postnatal care, as well as childhood immunisation, are provided free of charge.Affordable care Fees for outpatient visits remain relatively low, with outreach services costing N$3, clinics charging N$4, health centres N$8, and district hospitals charging the same amount.Intermediate hospitals charge N$15, while the national referral hospital has the highest outpatient fee at N$30. For inpatient care, fees range from N$10 at clinics to N$50 at the national referral hospital.Shangula said patients referred from lower-level facilities are not required to pay additional fees, and the ministry covers transport costs to higher-level facilities.The fees cover a wide range of services, including consultations, laboratory and diagnostic tests, X-rays, MRIs, medication, intensive care, and specialised treatments such as nuclear medicine and radiation oncology.&#039;If a patient is referred from a clinic where he or she paid N$4, he or she is not required to pay any money at the higher level of health care. Transportation to and from the higher level is at the cost of the ministry. The patient is not required to pay any more money," he said.Namibia currently operates 97 ICU beds at major hospitals in Keetmanshoop, Windhoek, Katutura, Walvis Bay, Oshakati and Rundu. To address growing demand, the government is constructing an additional 105 ICU beds at hospitals in Mariental, Windhoek Central, the paediatric ICU, Gobabis, Swakopmund, Otjiwarongo, Outapi, Engela, Nankudu, Rundu, and Katima Mulilo. Once completed, Namibia’s total ICU beds in the public sector will total 202.jemima@nmh-hub.com.na

Shangula highlights govt healthcare benefits

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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Shangula highlights govt healthcare benefits

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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