Geingob inaugurates N$12.6m Katutura emergency unit
President Hage Geingob yesterday officially opened the doors to the new emergency unit at the Katutura State Hospital alongside the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund and Standard Bank.
The companies’ joint Project 9682 started close to two years ago and saw the construction of the facility – valued at N$12.6 million – which includes a new resuscitation room with eight beds, including oxygen and electrical supply at each bed.
The old resuscitation room was converted into a paediatric unit, while a gynaecology exam room was extended and storage space was converted into consultation rooms. A new air conditioning system was also installed.
“Over the past five years, the MVA Fund has recorded a decline in road crashes and related injuries and fatalities. Casualty related crashes indicate that Namibia has seen a decline of road deaths from 26 per 100 000 to 18 per 100 000 population. We have improved from losing over 700 lives per year to 466 last year,” board chairperson Dr Herman Shitaleni said.
“When all else fails, the burden is felt by the MVA Fund which spends about N$200 million in medical expenses annually, in addition to N$95 million in other claims.”
Human right
Standard Bank CEO Erwin Tjipuka said the project reiterates that healthcare is not a privilege, but a basic human right.
“Today, we take a significant step towards realising that right for every member of our community. As we celebrate this milestone, let us remember that we are more than just numbers. We are a community of unique individuals with boundless potential,” he said.
“On behalf of Standard Bank, I’d like to affirm our commitment to nurturing and strengthening this relationship, and together, we will continue to invest in our country, paving the way for an empowered Namibian nation.”
Geingob echoed Tjipuka’s sentiments and added that the project is but a “microcosm of the broader steps and interventions by government to strengthen the public health sector to make it more accessible and responsive to the needs of the people”.
“We often hear the phrase ‘health is wealth’. Indeed, for a government that is determined to deliver shared prosperity for all, the health and well-being of our citizens remains our greatest asset. It therefore gives me great pleasure to join you today to celebrate a true reflection of the Harambee spirit exemplified by a working partnership and collaboration between a government ministry, a state-owned enterprise and a private sector company,” the head of state said.
Billion-dollar plan
According to Geingob, Cabinet has approved a plan by the health ministry to improve Namibia’s public health system.
“The implementation thereof has already commenced during the current financial year at the cost of more than N$16 billion. The plan envisages the execution of impactful projects and interventions across the country.
“Some of the projects that are already being implemented include the construction of the Windhoek District Hospital, and the establishment of intensive care units and dialysis care units at district hospitals around the country,” he said.
Additional projects include renovations to existing hospital buildings as well as the installation of oxygen-generating systems at various health facilities, he added.
The companies’ joint Project 9682 started close to two years ago and saw the construction of the facility – valued at N$12.6 million – which includes a new resuscitation room with eight beds, including oxygen and electrical supply at each bed.
The old resuscitation room was converted into a paediatric unit, while a gynaecology exam room was extended and storage space was converted into consultation rooms. A new air conditioning system was also installed.
“Over the past five years, the MVA Fund has recorded a decline in road crashes and related injuries and fatalities. Casualty related crashes indicate that Namibia has seen a decline of road deaths from 26 per 100 000 to 18 per 100 000 population. We have improved from losing over 700 lives per year to 466 last year,” board chairperson Dr Herman Shitaleni said.
“When all else fails, the burden is felt by the MVA Fund which spends about N$200 million in medical expenses annually, in addition to N$95 million in other claims.”
Human right
Standard Bank CEO Erwin Tjipuka said the project reiterates that healthcare is not a privilege, but a basic human right.
“Today, we take a significant step towards realising that right for every member of our community. As we celebrate this milestone, let us remember that we are more than just numbers. We are a community of unique individuals with boundless potential,” he said.
“On behalf of Standard Bank, I’d like to affirm our commitment to nurturing and strengthening this relationship, and together, we will continue to invest in our country, paving the way for an empowered Namibian nation.”
Geingob echoed Tjipuka’s sentiments and added that the project is but a “microcosm of the broader steps and interventions by government to strengthen the public health sector to make it more accessible and responsive to the needs of the people”.
“We often hear the phrase ‘health is wealth’. Indeed, for a government that is determined to deliver shared prosperity for all, the health and well-being of our citizens remains our greatest asset. It therefore gives me great pleasure to join you today to celebrate a true reflection of the Harambee spirit exemplified by a working partnership and collaboration between a government ministry, a state-owned enterprise and a private sector company,” the head of state said.
Billion-dollar plan
According to Geingob, Cabinet has approved a plan by the health ministry to improve Namibia’s public health system.
“The implementation thereof has already commenced during the current financial year at the cost of more than N$16 billion. The plan envisages the execution of impactful projects and interventions across the country.
“Some of the projects that are already being implemented include the construction of the Windhoek District Hospital, and the establishment of intensive care units and dialysis care units at district hospitals around the country,” he said.
Additional projects include renovations to existing hospital buildings as well as the installation of oxygen-generating systems at various health facilities, he added.
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