The Asoli Progressive Party has criticised President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and the health ministry over their silence on the ongoing shortages of critical medicines in public hospitals.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the party’s president, Josef Kauandenge, said the president should have informed the nation about the causes of the shortages and outlined measures being implemented to address the situation.
“The president as the custodian and leader of the Namibian nation should have come forth outlining why there are shortages of critical medicine in our hospitals,” he said.
Kauandenge also took on the minister of health and social services Esperance Luvindao for what he described as silence on the issue.
He questioned the ministry’s earlier commitment to eliminate middlemen in the procurement process by sourcing medicines directly from suppliers.
“One wonders what has happened to this lofty commitment from the said Minister,” he said.
Kauandenge said ordinary Namibians are being forced to buy medicine from private pharmacies because state hospitals are unable to supply them.
He said those who cannot afford to purchase medication privately are left suffering without treatment.
The statement comes amid growing concerns over shortages of essential medicine and clinical supplies at public health facilities across the country.
