The Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) will introduce a phased-in 24-hour laboratory service as part of its changes under the hub-spoke-node operating model, which includes the establishment of centres of excellence (CoEs) across Namibia.
The hub-spoke-node operating model combines centralised and decentralised information technology functions to balance standardisation and agility.
A multi-shift system will begin this year at high-volume laboratories such as the National Reference Laboratory at Windhoek Central Hospital, and sites at Oshakati, Rundu, and Onandjokwe.
These labs will soon operate on two- or three-shift schedules to support uninterrupted diagnostic services, reduce turnaround times, and improve service quality.
NIP chief strategy and business development officer Niita Evaristus says the new approach represents a bold step towards ensuring timely, accessible, and reliable diagnostic services across Namibia.
“Through this bold initiative, NIP is not only improving diagnostic operations but also reshaping the future of healthcare in Namibia to ensure timely, reliable, and accessible laboratory services for all,” she says.
Currently, most NIP laboratories operate on a single-shift basis, limiting their capacity and leading to costly external referrals. With test demand rising steadily, the multi-shift system aims to enhance in-house testing capabilities, boost productivity, and cut down on outsourcing.
The upcoming CoEs will focus on specialised fields like molecular medicine and anatomical pathology, while serving as regional hubs for continuous testing and research. This decentralisation is expected to improve specimen handling, shorten result delivery times, and reduce logistical delays.
NIP says all operational changes will comply with labour laws, with stakeholder engagements already underway.
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