Referral patients left hungry as food packs get smaller

Patients, drivers and nursing staff travelling from Windhoek Central Hospital to Oshakati have raised concerns over what they describe as meagre food rations provided by Nutrifood, the company awarded the tender to supply travel food packs on the northbound route.They claim the packs include just two boiled eggs, a small juice, a small bottle of water, three slices of bread and an orange or apple for the seven-hour trip.Nutrifood, in a joint venture with Trade Vest Holding Group, was awarded the 36-month contract, which runs from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2027.The food complaints stem from patients who are transported from Oshakati to Windhoek every Monday for medical treatment and return to the north every Wednesday.While patients who spoke to this publication reported no issues with the food provided to them on the trip to Windhoek, they said the rations provided on the return trip are inadequate.Huge differenceA source who spoke to Namibian Sun alleged that there is a vast difference between food packs given to patients from Windhoek Central Hospital and Oshakati Hospital.“In Windhoek, the meal consists of only three slices of bread, two eggs, juice and water: no butter, no jam, nothing. Maybe there’s also an apple or an orange, that’s it," the individual said. "In Oshakati, they provide two juices, two bottles of water, half a loaf of bread, two pieces of meat, eggs and even two fruits, butter and jam," the source explained. According to the source, some patients even finish their food before reaching Okahandja. Many cannot afford to buy anything extra for the remainder of the trip, the source added. "If someone has money, sure, they can buy. But for the rest of them, they just rely on what is on the bus, whether it breaks down or not,” the source said, further questioning what patients are expected to eat if the bus breaks down and they run out of food.Basket of food Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) spokesperson Johanna Kambala said the tender specifications stipulate that patients must receive two bottles of water, two fruits, eight slices of bread, two protein fillings, two pre-packed cheese portions, one pre-packed butter and a fruit.According to Kambala, the service provider quoted a unit price of N$119.70 per travelling pack, in line with the specifications outlined in the official bidding documents. "The travelling pack includes specific food items and portions designed to meet nutritional and dietary requirements for patients during transit. These specifications were clearly defined and agreed upon during the bidding process,” Kambala explained.She further clarified that while the CPBN facilitated the procurement process through the Public Procurement Act, the health ministry is responsible for ensuring that the appointed service provider delivers meals that conform to the agreed standards, both in quantity and nutritional value.As per contractNutrifood managing director Dirk van Schalkwyk told Namibian Sun this week that this is not the first time the company has received such complaints."When we began operating under this new contract in April of last year, there were many complaints, particularly from patients who were hospitalised during the transition from the old contract to the new one," he said.He acknowledged that there had been significant changes and that food quantities had been reduced due to the specifications under the new tender.According to him, in the past, recipients received larger portions of food, but the nutritional value of the meals did not meet health specifications."It might be that the portions are less than what they were under the previous contracts, but we can only supply what the contract stipulates, and that is what we are providing," he said.Van Schalkwyk also stressed that it is not possible to supply less than what is required because all the food packs prepared and packed for patients undergo a strict inspection process prior to being handed out. "The supervisors present in the kitchen are government supervisors. They inspect every single pack that leaves that kitchen, so we cannot supply less food than what the tender document describes," he explained.He noted that if patients feel the food is not enough, it’s not up to Nutrifood to alter or increase the portions, as government will not pay beyond what is agreed to in the contract.Van Schalkwyk encouraged concerned patients to take the matter up with the health ministry if they feel the meals are insufficient. Old busesIn addition to the food packs, some drivers told Namibian Sun that the buses used to transport patients are old – 2012 models – and are prone to frequent breakdowns. “They are old. They break down between Otjiwarongo and Okahandja. You are guaranteed a breakdown almost each time you take a trip. What is worse, help does not come immediately,” one driver claimed.The same driver described an incident where a bus broke down about seven kilometres outside of Okahandja at 08:30 in the morning. Assistance only arrived hours later, at 21:00, and the patients were taken back to Windhoek.In another incident, the driver reported that a bus broke down at 08:45, with rescue arriving only at 18:00.“I had to go to Otjiwarongo Hospital to get food for the patients,” the driver said. “Some people feel disgusted. Officials think just because you are a patient, your brain is not working.”Health ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya said they make every effort to replace their vehicles as soon as they reach their replacement time.“If one of our vehicles develops a mechanical issue, the ministry usually tries to repair such vehicles as quickly as possible to avoid service delivery interruptions,” Kamaya said.nikanor@nmh-hub.com.na

Referral patients left hungry as food packs get smaller

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-27

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Referral patients left hungry as food packs get smaller

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-27

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