Red Lights On Health Concerns

I AM deeply concerned about what has become of the Ministry of Health in Namibia.They are doing their best but it is not good enough.

There are so many complaints about the Ministry of Health and Social Services in Namibia and the matter should be taken seriously. The areas of concern: 1.The top officials most of the time never seem to be aware of what is happening or has happened within their Ministry.In the past few months the media have been reporting on many incidents at the hospitals in the various regions but when the top officials are asked for comment they always know little or nothing about the situation.What management system does the Ministry have in place then, if there is no communication? 2.Hospitals without hot water or at times without any water.What are priorities for the Ministry? The health of the people surely does not come first, because if they did we would not have such problem at all.A hospital can never function without water and electricity and provision should be a top priority.3.Services rendered at the hospitals.I know the nurses and doctors are doing their best to assist the patients and I thank them all.But at times the harshness, attitude and rudeness towards the sick people are not appropriate and neither acceptable.Two incidents took place at the Walvis Bay State Hospital and Oshakati State Hospital respectively and the one in Walvis Bay led to the death of a baby boy last year.4.Most state hospitals do not meet the standards, especially the hospital wards in Oshakati hospital, Onandjokwe hospital, Katutura hospital, Luederitz hospital, to mention just a few.I was surprised they actually let people sleep there.With the foul smells, no hot water, the environment is just not conducive.There is so much one can say about our Ministry of Health.I have been observing our hospitals for the past six years and I am disappointed.Inspections and audits of the state hospitals should be conducted every year in each region to make sure the correct procedures are followed and controlled by the responsible persons.The situation will never improve if things are left as they are.The Government of Namibia has a Vision 2030, but this goal cannot only be reached by improving the economic growth through exports.The wellbeing of all Namibians is important and only healthy, happy Namibians will willingly assist to accomplish the goals and objectives set.It will not help when the Ministry says “we did not know about the matter” but it will make a difference when they accept the problem and take serious action to resolve it.Good management and communication can assist in this regard.Pro-health Via e-mailThe areas of concern: 1.The top officials most of the time never seem to be aware of what is happening or has happened within their Ministry.In the past few months the media have been reporting on many incidents at the hospitals in the various regions but when the top officials are asked for comment they always know little or nothing about the situation.What management system does the Ministry have in place then, if there is no communication? 2.Hospitals without hot water or at times without any water.What are priorities for the Ministry? The health of the people surely does not come first, because if they did we would not have such problem at all.A hospital can never function without water and electricity and provision should be a top priority.3.Services rendered at the hospitals.I know the nurses and doctors are doing their best to assist the patients and I thank them all.But at times the harshness, attitude and rudeness towards the sick people are not appropriate and neither acceptable.Two incidents took place at the Walvis Bay State Hospital and Oshakati State Hospital respectively and the one in Walvis Bay led to the death of a baby boy last year.4.Most state hospitals do not meet the standards, especially the hospital wards in Oshakati hospital, Onandjokwe hospital, Katutura hospital, Luederitz hospital, to mention just a few.I was surprised they actually let people sleep there.With the foul smells, no hot water, the environment is just not conducive.There is so much one can say about our Ministry of Health.I have been observing our hospitals for the past six years and I am disappointed.Inspections and audits of the state hospitals should be conducted every year in each region to make sure the correct procedures are followed and controlled by the responsible persons.The situation will never improve if things are left as they are.The Government of Namibia has a Vision 2030, but this goal cannot only be reached by improving the economic growth through exports.The wellbeing of all Namibians is important and only healthy, happy Namibians will willingly assist to accomplish the goals and objectives set.It will not help when the Ministry says “we did not know about the matter” but it will make a difference when they accept the problem and take serious action to resolve it.Good management and communication can assist in this regard.Pro-health Via e-mail