Health ministry settles six lawsuits for N$1.28m

Health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao says her ministry paid N$1.28 million to settle six lawsuits during the past financial year.

"During the 2024/2025 financial year, the ministry made compensatory payments totalling about N$1 286 051.90. These payments were made in respect of six settlements," she told parliament recently.

She said the ministry was focusing on preventing lawsuits by improving the quality of healthcare.

"The ministry is committed to proactively addressing the root causes of litigation," Luvindao said. "By strengthening systems, improving clinical practices, and enhancing communication with patients, we aim to reduce the incidence of adverse events that can lead to legal action."

Luvindao said the ministry was also monitoring lawsuit trends and would continue to report transparently to parliament on any significant changes or concerning patterns.

"Families who lose loved ones or who suffer harm deserve answers, accountability and improvement," Luvindao said.

"The Ministry of Health and Social Services is committed to transparent reporting to parliament, to working with independent regulators and partners to reduce harm, and to invest in the systems that prevent avoidable losses, both human and financial,” she added.

Systems in place

Every complaint received at health facilities is recorded and investigated, with complainants able to escalate unresolved matters through the chain of command up to the minister, Luvindao added.

The ministry has further strengthened maternal and perinatal death reviews, launched new clinical and death audit guidelines, and continues to improve clinical governance, documentation and patient safety.

“Where systemic failures are identified, the ministry implements corrective action plans and monitors implementation,” she said.

Luvindao said the ministry also plans to accelerate healthcare quality standards and facility accreditation, expand clinical reviews and staff mentorship, strengthen procurement of critical medicines and equipment, improve complaints management, and increase public awareness to reduce preventable complications.

She cautioned against drawing conclusions solely from media reports. "Not every media headline fully captures the clinical or investigatory nuance of a case."

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