Health minister Kalumbi Shangula has says the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital is undergoing infrastructural upgrades to improve service delivery and enhance capacity.
Shangula said this when he inaugurated the vision center at the hospital yesterday, adding that improvements are being carried out in two phases.
“Under phase one, we are constructing a 17-bed intensive care unit. In phase two, we are building a new theatre complex with 12 theatres.
The project began on 20 June 2024, and is expected to be completed by 15 December 2025,” Shangula said.
The total cost of the project is N$35.4 million, with N$26.4 million allocated for civil works and N$8.9 million for electrical installations, the minister said.
In addition to the new construction, minor renovations are being carried out across various hospital wards.
The Association of Unemployed Artisans and Skills Development in Namibia is handling these improvements, which include renovations to the existing maternity ward, intensive care unit and theatres, which Shangula said should be completed this week.
Additionally, the sewer system for the psychiatric ward will be repaired, the houses at the hospital will be renovated.
Beyond the hospital, Shangula said investing in healthcare infrastructure in other areas of the Oshana region is a priority for the ministry, including the construction of prefabricated clinics and staff accommodation in the Uuvudhiya constituency, the establishment of a prefabricated clinic at Ompundja and the construction of Oshana regional management team offices.
“These projects will enhance healthcare accessibility and ensure that quality medical services are available to communities in need,” Shangula said.
Shangula extended his appreciation to the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation for its support in strengthening Namibia’s eyecare services.
He also acknowledged the leadership of Oshakati Intermediate Hospital and healthcare workers for their dedication.
“The Ministry of Health and Social Services remains committed to making healthcare more accessible, affordable and sustainable,” he affirmed.
Speaking at the same event, Oshana health director Johanna Imene said vision centre is one of the most critical senses, yet many people in Namibia struggle with preventable or treatable eye conditions due to limited access to specialised care.
“Today, we take a major step in addressing these challenges by ensuring that quality eyecare services are more accessible, sustainable, and affordable for our people,”she said.
Imene said the establishment of the vision center is a testament to the ministry’s commitment to universal health coverage and aligns with national and global goals of eliminating avoidable blindness.
She added that the center will not only provide much-needed diagnostic and treatment services for various eye conditions, but it will also ensure that eyeglasses, screenings, and essential eyecare products are available at an affordable cost.
“More importantly, it will serve as a hub for education and prevention, promoting eye health awareness within our communities,” said Imene.
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