Nurses union calls for dissolution of medicines council

The Namibia Nurses Union (Nanu) has called for the immediate dissolution of the Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council (NMRC), citing alleged violations of the country’s medicine law and the approval of unregistered drugs.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, Nanu secretary general Junias Shilunga accused the council of undermining public health and endangering lives by allowing the circulation of medicines that have not been properly vetted.

“The Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council has committed gross violations of the Namibia Medicines and Related Substances Control Act of 2003 by approving unregistered medicines and permitting companies without valid licences to supply pharmaceutical products. These actions are not only illegal but deeply unethical. They put the health and well-being of Namibians at grave risk,” he said.

Shilunga said the union was “deeply concerned and absolutely disgusted” by what it described as a culture of impunity and negligence at the NMRC.

He has also warned that the latest developments have further eroded public trust in the country’s already fragile health sector.

“The healthcare system is already plagued by systemic corruption, a glaring lack of accountability, and a disturbing disregard for human life,” he said.

Nanu has demanded that the minister of health and social services dissolve the regulatory council without delay and initiate a full forensic audit into its operations.

The union also wants those implicated in any wrongdoings to be held accountable.

“We demand a complete clean-up of the regulatory framework, starting with the immediate disbandment of the NMRC. There must be consequences for those who have betrayed the public trust,” Shilunga said.

In addition to calling for the dissolution of the NMRC, Nanu is appealing to president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to establish a presidential commission of inquiry into the affairs of the health ministry.

The commission, Nanu says, should be chaired by a senior independent judge and must include representation from organised labour, particularly from unions in the health sector.

“The lives of Namibians cannot and must not be sacrificed at the altar of corruption and incompetence. The health and safety of our people demand urgent and decisive action.”

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