NIP stresses importance of pathology testing

The Namibia Institute of Pathology’s (NIP) chief executive, Kapena Tjombonde, says that since 80% of Namibians rely on public healthcare, the sector would be negatively impacted should the institute falter.

Tjombonde emphasised this during Laboratory Professionals Week recently.

“Every day, clinicians across Namibia’s 322 clinics, 56 health centers and 34 district hospitals rely on NIP’s services for an average of 4 million annual tests,” Tjombonde stated.

She said the tests are performed to diagnose diseases, monitor treatments and save lives.

“In a world where 70% of medical decisions hinge on pathology testing, NIP stands as the unshakeable backbone of the nation’s healthcare system,” she reiterated.

Tjombonde also highlighted NIP’s role that extends far beyond laboratory walls.

“It is the guardian of public health, a driver of medical innovation and a critical enabler of Namibia’s constitutional right to life,” she added.

The chief executive noted the important role NIP plays with a population surging from 2.1 million to over 3 million, with the increase of diseases like HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis, and hepatitis B.

“In total we have about 75% of the total employees in the laboratory space to support the lab professionals, to deliver quality diagnostic services across its network,” she stated.

She noted through 1 150 outreach points, even the most remote communities receive timely diagnosis, ensuring equitable access to care.

Tjombonde said the NIP’s network of 37 laboratories expanded by 44.11% since 2000.

“Advanced testing is centralised at the National Reference Laboratory ‘hub’, while regional ‘spoke’ and smaller ‘node’ facilities ensure rapid specimen collection and result dissemination,” she added.

Tjombonde said this model has slashed referral delays, particularly for critical care with the progressive replacement of 80% of aged instruments.

“During crises like COVID-19, NIP’s collaboration with regional and global partners enabled rapid testing, genomic surveillance, curbing transmission and informing policy,” she said.

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