Health ministry needs over N$11b for clinical services

The Ministry of Health and Social Service says it needs N$11.5 billion for clinical services.

This comes after health minister Esperance Luvindao this week requested the N$11.5 billion allocation to prioritise the replacement of outdated equipment, the expansion of specialties and continuous medicine supplies.

The ministry was allocated a budget of over N$12.8 billion for the 2025/26 financial year.

Key initiatives include establishing a dedicated procurement vehicle development mechanism to streamline sustainable supply of medicines and clinical items over five years, reducing shortages and enhancing transparency.

“Despite global disruptions, the ministry is actively implementing multiple strategies to enhance the pharmaceutical supply chain, including exploring alternative procurement methods to secure consistent supply levels,” she said.

She said improving logistics and distribution networks would ensure timely medication availability at health facilities and central medical stores (CMS).

This also includes developing service level targets through electronic inventory systems like dispensing tools, stock cards and pharmaceutical dashboard supply chain resilience.

At the same time, the minister expressed the importance of upgrading CMS logistics and storage capacity to achieve an 80% service level, up from 57%.

This would involve procuring new CMS storage infrastructure, enhancing logistics systems and creating robust inventory management.

Luvundao said it completing renovations for intensive care units (ICUs) at Gobabis, Mariental, Rundu and other towns alongside expanding neonatal and adult ICU capacity, will bolster Namibia’s preparedness for health emergencies and reduce mortality from critical illnesses.

The health minister noted that the addition of ICU facilities at hospitals at Opuwo, Outapi, Engela and Nankundu will further decentralise critical care, ensuring timely interventions especially in remote areas.

“These enhancements are vital for managing severe cases, improving patient survival rates and handling national health emergencies effectively,” she said.

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