Hospitals

TUYEIMO HAIDULAOSHAKATIHealth minister Kalumbi Shangula on Wednesday said all hospital wards that had been repurposed to accommodate Covid-19 patients have been freed up and returned to normal operation.Shangula said the country continues to observe a persistent decline in the incidence of new Covid-19 infections, hospitalisation and deaths.The minister was speaking at the handover of a 40-bed isolation ward at the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, sponsored by the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry.Since May, Namibia had battled a third wave of Covid-19 infections driven by the Delta variant.Hospitals’ need for oxygen skyrocketed and the country recorded hundreds of deaths on a daily basis.The country saw a rapid and exponential rise in the number of new cases, reaching a total of 2 547 in a single day, and in July 2021 recorded the highest ever daily toll of 150 deaths.Hospital visitsShangula said the services that were suspended during the third wave have now resumed.“There is sufficient space in our Covid-19 isolation and ICU facilities.“I thank the health workers for their dedication and commitment during the difficult period we have just emerged from.“In view of the improved Covid-19 situation in the country, the ministry has decided to allow visitation to Covid-19 patients by a family member. The patient is entitled to one visit per week,” he said.Shangula immediately added that the family member concerned would be provided with full protective equipment during such visits.Visits will last for 30 minutes. He said the visits would be spread out so that there is no congestion of visitors in any Covid-19 ward.Shangula used the platform to remind Namibians that each and every person has a role to play to ensure that the virus remains suppressed and its spread is avoided.He urged people to receive their vaccines to build up natural immunity against the coronavirus.Oshana governor Elia Irimari thanked the NCCI for their generosity and patriotism in joining the government in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.He implored other business people to do the same.The construction of a 15-bed ICU at Keetmanshoop is expected to be completed this month, while at Katima Mulilo, the extension of the Intensive Care Unit will commence soon. – tuyeimo@namibiansun.com

Hospitals

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-17

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Hospitals

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-17

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