Ministers step in to restore services at Okahandja hospital

Health minister Esperance Luvindao and works minister Veikko Nekundi paid a visit to Okahandja Hospital late last week to assess severe service delivery challenges and infrastructure needs, which had been highlighted by the community and recent media reports. The ministry confirmed that interviews for additional staff have already been conducted, and they are expected to begin work in September and October 2025. The move aims to reduce congestion and improve timely access to healthcare services at the hospital.Another critical concern raised was the hospital’s non-functional theatre, which has forced the referral of patients requiring surgical procedures, despite the presence of skilled staff able to perform the operations.Restoring the theatre remains a top priority, as it will allow surgical care to be provided on-site and reduce unnecessary patient transfers.Infrastructure issues were also noted. Broken windows, left unrepaired for years, were fixed the day following the ministers’ intervention.Meanwhile, Nekundi instructed his officials to expedite the finalisation of outstanding bills of quantities so that pending repair and rehabilitation work could begin without further delay.The hospital’s lack of essential equipment was also highlighted. Some of the required equipment has already been procured and will soon be handed over to hospital management.Luvindao stressed that abnormal conditions must never be allowed to become the norm. Staff were told to ensure that all maintenance and repair needs are promptly reported and actively followed up with the relevant offices in order to safeguard patient dignity and uphold standards of care.Failure in care Following a barrage of community complaints, videos and phone calls highlighting the hospital’s deteriorating conditions, deputy Okahandja mayor Akser Aupindi and town councillor Charl Coetzee conducted a fact-finding visit in early August. At the time, the mayor said the visit had revealed a deeply troubling situation, with the public health facility on the brink of collapse, crippled by chronic understaffing, severe neglect and critical shortages.aurelia@nmh-hub.com.na

Ministers step in to restore services at Okahandja hospital

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-04

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Ministers step in to restore services at Okahandja hospital

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-04

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