Palmwag healthcare clinic stands idle for three years
Aurelia AfrikanerWindhoek
A healthcare clinic built three years ago in Palmwag in the Kunene region remains non-operational, forcing the local community to rely on health services nearly 40 km away.The un-commissioned facility has sparked renewed outcry following the recent death of a resident, a local source said.
Residents, living some 39 km from the nearest health facility, have expressed their frustration and sorrow.
“We just lost an elderly woman a few days ago due to the fact that we do not have any health facility and could not help but watch her lose her life,” the resident alleged, speaking under condition of anonymity.
No staff housing
The health ministry recently confirmed that the clinic remains closed due to the absence of staff accommodation.
When approached for comment, health ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya confirmed the clinic’s construction was finalised three years ago.
Kamaya added that as per a district coordinating committee’s assessment in October 2023, “provision of staff accommodation is indispensable to have human resources on the ground and operationalise the institution.”
He noted that on 11 March 2024, the committee attempted a follow-up inspection.However, the facility could not be accessed, “as the keys were with a community member attending a meeting in Bergsig. Despite this, we observed that the clinic was nearly completed.”
Kamaya confirmed that the local community have to rely on Bergsig Clinic in the Khorixas district.
“Palmwag belongs to the Opuwo district, though it is nearer to the Bergsig Clinic [39 km] compared to Sesfontein [114 km]. The population seeks healthcare services at Bergsig, which is already the second busiest outside clinic in the Khorixas district.”
Health ministry not involved in handover
A handover ceremony for the clinic reportedly took place on 24 October 2024, according to an official letter dated 22 October 2024.
However, no officials from the health ministry reportedly attended the event.
Instead, the clinic was opened by an Outjo councillor, leaving uncertainty over who holds administrative responsibility.
The Khorixas district has reportedly expressed interest in administratively absorbing Palmwag for improved service delivery.
Community bemoans lack of nearby care
While the health ministry says it is unaware of any deaths directly linked to the clinic’s non-operational status, residents believe lives might have been saved had the facility been open.
“Khorixas district is not aware of any specifics regarding such incidents, but we would be happy to receive details thereof to investigate,” Kamaya said.
Kamaya also confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding the clinic. “We had a brief discussion with Torra Conservancy representatives in March 2024. They mentioned that they were considering gathering extra funds for the staff accommodation,” Kamaya added.
A healthcare clinic built three years ago in Palmwag in the Kunene region remains non-operational, forcing the local community to rely on health services nearly 40 km away.The un-commissioned facility has sparked renewed outcry following the recent death of a resident, a local source said.
Residents, living some 39 km from the nearest health facility, have expressed their frustration and sorrow.
“We just lost an elderly woman a few days ago due to the fact that we do not have any health facility and could not help but watch her lose her life,” the resident alleged, speaking under condition of anonymity.
No staff housing
The health ministry recently confirmed that the clinic remains closed due to the absence of staff accommodation.
When approached for comment, health ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya confirmed the clinic’s construction was finalised three years ago.
Kamaya added that as per a district coordinating committee’s assessment in October 2023, “provision of staff accommodation is indispensable to have human resources on the ground and operationalise the institution.”
He noted that on 11 March 2024, the committee attempted a follow-up inspection.However, the facility could not be accessed, “as the keys were with a community member attending a meeting in Bergsig. Despite this, we observed that the clinic was nearly completed.”
Kamaya confirmed that the local community have to rely on Bergsig Clinic in the Khorixas district.
“Palmwag belongs to the Opuwo district, though it is nearer to the Bergsig Clinic [39 km] compared to Sesfontein [114 km]. The population seeks healthcare services at Bergsig, which is already the second busiest outside clinic in the Khorixas district.”
Health ministry not involved in handover
A handover ceremony for the clinic reportedly took place on 24 October 2024, according to an official letter dated 22 October 2024.
However, no officials from the health ministry reportedly attended the event.
Instead, the clinic was opened by an Outjo councillor, leaving uncertainty over who holds administrative responsibility.
The Khorixas district has reportedly expressed interest in administratively absorbing Palmwag for improved service delivery.
Community bemoans lack of nearby care
While the health ministry says it is unaware of any deaths directly linked to the clinic’s non-operational status, residents believe lives might have been saved had the facility been open.
“Khorixas district is not aware of any specifics regarding such incidents, but we would be happy to receive details thereof to investigate,” Kamaya said.
Kamaya also confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding the clinic. “We had a brief discussion with Torra Conservancy representatives in March 2024. They mentioned that they were considering gathering extra funds for the staff accommodation,” Kamaya added.
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