Haufiku warns against fake healers
In a no-holds-barred speech, health minister Bernard Haufiku has strongly condemned self-proclaimed prophets and traditional doctors who claim to have the power to cure diseases such as HIV/Aids.
Haufiku told community members in the Oshana Region that people with illnesses should seek help from medical facilities and not from “prophets”.
“Why don't we think for ourselves, as someone will be making money from you by telling you lies. Many people have died of HIV, not because of the virus but because they were told lies by a prophet that came from wherever into Namibia to make money telling people that he or she can heal you with prayers and that you stop taking your medication,” Haufiku said.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the N412 million Eloolo clinic yesterday. “We are being crooked and lied to by these people and we are still believing in them… we have to stop this nonsense,” he said.
Haufiku also accused nurses in the public service of abusing their position by selling fake medicines.
The minister also made reference to advertisements for “magic bullet” remedies purported to cure a variety of ailments, saying that there was no such product in existence.
Haufiku said he would engage with information minister Tjekero Tweya and the Health Professional Council of Namibia to stop of any form of medical advertisement in the mainstream media.
Contractors slammed
The health minister also took issue with government-appointed contractors, accusing them of maximising profits at all costs by delivering shoddy work.
He specifically referred to the septic tank at the Eloolo clinic, which is said to be leaking.
“Some people don't think when they build, and it is wasting government money, which is your money, because now we have to reconstruct that septic tank.
“I want to plead with the contractors and subcontractors that they should not just want to complete their project, get away and run to the next project, but consider that they are contributing to national goals and that they are part of the community and Namibia. Therefore, don't just think of making money,” Haufiku said.
The Eloolo clinic, which opened its doors in March 2016, serves about 5 000 people.
Haufiku told community members in the Oshana Region that people with illnesses should seek help from medical facilities and not from “prophets”.
“Why don't we think for ourselves, as someone will be making money from you by telling you lies. Many people have died of HIV, not because of the virus but because they were told lies by a prophet that came from wherever into Namibia to make money telling people that he or she can heal you with prayers and that you stop taking your medication,” Haufiku said.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the N412 million Eloolo clinic yesterday. “We are being crooked and lied to by these people and we are still believing in them… we have to stop this nonsense,” he said.
Haufiku also accused nurses in the public service of abusing their position by selling fake medicines.
The minister also made reference to advertisements for “magic bullet” remedies purported to cure a variety of ailments, saying that there was no such product in existence.
Haufiku said he would engage with information minister Tjekero Tweya and the Health Professional Council of Namibia to stop of any form of medical advertisement in the mainstream media.
Contractors slammed
The health minister also took issue with government-appointed contractors, accusing them of maximising profits at all costs by delivering shoddy work.
He specifically referred to the septic tank at the Eloolo clinic, which is said to be leaking.
“Some people don't think when they build, and it is wasting government money, which is your money, because now we have to reconstruct that septic tank.
“I want to plead with the contractors and subcontractors that they should not just want to complete their project, get away and run to the next project, but consider that they are contributing to national goals and that they are part of the community and Namibia. Therefore, don't just think of making money,” Haufiku said.
The Eloolo clinic, which opened its doors in March 2016, serves about 5 000 people.
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