Nurses call for medicines council disbandment, presidential inquiry into health ministry

The Namibia Nurses Union (NANU) has called for the disbandment of the Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council (NMRC) and for a full forensic audit to be conducted into its operations.The union also wants President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to institute an independent Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the affairs of the health ministry.According to NANU, the commission should be chaired by a senior, independent judge and include representation from healthcare trade unions to ensure impartiality and transparency.The call comes after the NMRC suspended Fabupharm’s oral liquid production line, citing serious quality control failures identified during a recent inspection.Fabupharm was also found to be operating without a valid production licence since January this year.After the NMRC's findings, the health ministry issued an urgent directive to all public health facilities to suspend and quarantine oral liquid medicines produced by Fabupharm Namibia (Pty) Ltd. The ministry also instructed hospitals and clinics across the country to isolate the affected products, label them as “Not for Use”, and submit inventories of quarantined stock to regional pharmacists within 48 hours.Forensic auditWhile the NMRC insists the suspension is necessary to protect public health, NANU has launched a scathing attack on the regulator’s competence and credibility.In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, NANU said it had learned “with deep concern and absolute disgust” of what it called “gross violations” of the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act of 2003 by the NMRC. The union accused the regulatory body of enabling the approval and circulation of unregistered medicines and permitting pharmaceutical companies to operate without the required licences.“These actions constitute a serious breach of the law and professional ethics, and have placed the lives and well-being of Namibians in grave danger,” said Junias Shilunga, Secretary General of NANU. Shilunga added that public confidence in the country’s healthcare institutions has been “significantly eroded” by what he described as a climate of systemic corruption, impunity, and disregard for human life.Apparent non-complianceFabupharm had been regarded as a key domestic supplier of essential medicines and, in February 2023, was awarded an N$458 million medical tender by the Central Procurement Board. The board defended the award at the time, stating that Fabupharm held a valid licence—a claim now brought into question by recent developments.Fabupharm has yet to comment publicly on the matter. However, the company’s apparent non-compliance with manufacturing regulations, despite its government contracts, has cast a long shadow over both its credibility and that of the regulatory and procurement systems meant to oversee it.Health ministry executive director, Penda Iithindi was unable to confirm whether the ministry owes Fabupharm any money for medicine supplies and, if so, whether such payments would be made in light of the alleged breaches. “We can’t throw taxpayers’ money at irregular trade,” he said, without offering further details.Decisive moment The NMRC, for its part, has remained silent on NANU’s accusations. It has also yet to explain how Fabupharm was able to continue producing and supplying oral liquid medicines for nearly half a year without the legally required authorisation.Healthcare workers across the country are now bracing for potential medicine shortages, particularly in rural areas and high-demand clinics. The sudden withdrawal of Fabupharm’s liquid formulations threatens to exacerbate existing pressure on public facilities, already grappling with limited resources.As public trust continues to wane, NANU has vowed to intensify its campaign for reform. “The lives of Namibians cannot and must not be sacrificed at the altar of corruption and incompetence,” said Shilunga.“The health and safety of our people demand urgent and decisive action.”With no official response from the NMRC and growing public anger, this incident may mark a decisive moment in the country’s struggle to restore integrity and accountability within its healthcare institutions.

Nurses call for medicines council disbandment, presidential inquiry into health ministry

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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Nurses call for medicines council disbandment, presidential inquiry into health ministry

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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