No space for public health, information system graduates - Luvindao

Unemployed graduates specialising in public health and health information systems management face continued uncertainty over job opportunities in the public health sector.The topic was addressed in parliament by health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao, who confirmed that the ministry has no approved positions specifically designated for these qualifications after the issue was raised by Republican Party MP Mathias Mbundu.“While the unemployment challenge faced by the graduates is duly acknowledged by the ministry, unfortunately direct absorption as mentioned would contravene the current public service recruitment regulation,” Luvindao told lawmakers.Mbundu had asked the minister to explain why qualified graduates, some of whom have reportedly been without employment since 2019, have not been incorporated into the country's healthcare system.He wanted to know whether the ministry intends to create opportunities for these graduates to take responsibility for health data management, monitoring and evaluation, functions currently also performed by nurses.Recruitment barriers Luvindao explained that the absence of dedicated positions and approved personnel administrative measures for the two fields prevents the ministry from recruiting graduates directly into such roles.“Although there are unemployed but qualified health information systems management as well as public health graduates available in the labour market, they cannot be automatically absorbed into existing vacant posts,” the minister said.“Automatic placement would contravene the administrative framework governing recruitment in the Namibian public service in accordance with Article 18 of the Namibian constitution as well as the public service staff rule B11,” she added.Luvindao explained that all vacancies must be advertised through open competition.She said that although the country has qualified professionals seeking employment, their availability does not automatically translate into appointments within the public service.Luvindao, however, pointed to existing health programme officer positions within the ministry's health information and research structures as a possible employment avenue for graduates who meet the prescribed qualifications.

No space for public health, information system graduates - Luvindao

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-23

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No space for public health, information system graduates - Luvindao

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-23

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