Onandjokwe halts elective surgeries amid drug shortage

Elective surgeries at Onandjokwe District Hospital have been suspended after the facility ran out of critical anaesthetic drugs.

The hospital confirmed on Monday that it has no hypnotic anaesthetic agents, essential for administering general anaesthesia.

“As a result, all elective procedures will be suspended from 14 April until further notice,” the hospital said.

The decision was taken to prioritise the limited drug supply for emergency and life-saving procedures.

The hospital said the shortage extends to Central Medical Stores, raising concerns about a broader supply disruption across the public healthcare system.

- Desmarius Hansen