Mental health bill close to finalisation, says Luvindao
Mental health staffing remains critical
The minister underlined that the bill is not only about passing legislation but also about ensuring accessible, quality mental health care for all Namibians.
Health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao says Namibia’s long-awaited mental health bill is in its final stages, with the revised draft to be resubmitted to the justice ministry this week for legal finalisation.
Addressing the National Assembly last week in response to a question by Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Winnie Moongo, Luvindao outlined a broader strategy to overhaul the country’s mental health system.
“Arrangements were made for a consultant who worked on the bill to brief me and allow for a review before resubmission. This review took place last week,” Luvindao said. “The draft bill will now be resubmitted to the legal drafters for further processing.”
She confirmed that all outstanding issues raised during a March 2024 workshop with legal drafters have been addressed.
"Their inputs were incorporated into the draft. Once resubmitted, the legal drafters will determine whether any additional matters require attention before the bill is tabled,” she added.
Strategic vision
Beyond the legislative framework, Luvindao emphasised the ministry's intention to implement a mental health strategic plan 2025–2030 in collaboration with development partners such as the World Health Organisation.
This will run concurrently with the ministry’s overarching five-year strategic plan.
“This plan will guide us in securing funding, developing infrastructure and procuring essential clinical products,” she said.
“It will also allow us to determine the number of new mental health facilities required across all 14 regions and propose budgets for renovations and upgrades.”
As part of efforts to close existing human resource gaps, the ministry has already identified mental health focal persons in each region to provide in-service training for healthcare workers.
Luvindao noted that the ministry is actively working to improve its staff establishment in mental health units and acknowledged that mental health staffing remains a critical national concern.
Legal expertise and next steps
The minister confirmed the involvement of a legal expert in finalising the bill and drafting associated regulations.
“The plan is to engage a legal expert to finalise the regulations once the bill is approved,” she said.
Luvindao praised Moongo for her dedication to advancing mental health reform.
“One popular quote says, 'Your mental health is just as important as your physical health', and the motion she tabled in this house just validated that fact,” she remarked.
“The ministry’s plan is not just about passing legislation,” she added.
“It’s about building a foundation that will allow our healthcare system to provide dignified, accessible and quality mental health care for all.”
Addressing the National Assembly last week in response to a question by Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Winnie Moongo, Luvindao outlined a broader strategy to overhaul the country’s mental health system.
“Arrangements were made for a consultant who worked on the bill to brief me and allow for a review before resubmission. This review took place last week,” Luvindao said. “The draft bill will now be resubmitted to the legal drafters for further processing.”
She confirmed that all outstanding issues raised during a March 2024 workshop with legal drafters have been addressed.
"Their inputs were incorporated into the draft. Once resubmitted, the legal drafters will determine whether any additional matters require attention before the bill is tabled,” she added.
Strategic vision
Beyond the legislative framework, Luvindao emphasised the ministry's intention to implement a mental health strategic plan 2025–2030 in collaboration with development partners such as the World Health Organisation.
This will run concurrently with the ministry’s overarching five-year strategic plan.
“This plan will guide us in securing funding, developing infrastructure and procuring essential clinical products,” she said.
“It will also allow us to determine the number of new mental health facilities required across all 14 regions and propose budgets for renovations and upgrades.”
As part of efforts to close existing human resource gaps, the ministry has already identified mental health focal persons in each region to provide in-service training for healthcare workers.
Luvindao noted that the ministry is actively working to improve its staff establishment in mental health units and acknowledged that mental health staffing remains a critical national concern.
Legal expertise and next steps
The minister confirmed the involvement of a legal expert in finalising the bill and drafting associated regulations.
“The plan is to engage a legal expert to finalise the regulations once the bill is approved,” she said.
Luvindao praised Moongo for her dedication to advancing mental health reform.
“One popular quote says, 'Your mental health is just as important as your physical health', and the motion she tabled in this house just validated that fact,” she remarked.
“The ministry’s plan is not just about passing legislation,” she added.
“It’s about building a foundation that will allow our healthcare system to provide dignified, accessible and quality mental health care for all.”
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