Windhoek Central Hospital pauses food donations to patients while drafting policy

Windhoek Central Hospital has temporarily placed a moratorium on all food donations to patients as it develops a policy framework to regulate such contributions.

In a response to a proposed Good Friday food donation initiative, the medical superintendent’s office acknowledged receipt of a letter from a possible donor, who had intended to donate waffles to patients at the hospital’s mental health clinic.

The office, in the response to the letter dated 2 April, thanked the donor for their continued goodwill and generosity towards patients and noted that their gesture, along with previous festive season contributions, was commendable.

The letter further says the hospital was particularly touched by his willingness to give back, especially given his personal experience as a former patient at the facility.

“However, we wish to inform you that currently, Windhoek Central Hospital does not have an established policy framework to coordinate and guide food donations to patients.

“In view of this, the hospital is in the process of developing a comprehensive policy to ensure such contributions are managed in a safe, equitable, and structured manner,” the letter reads.

It says all activities related to food donations are therefore temporarily placed under a moratorium until further notice.

The letter says the measure is aimed at ensuring compliance with future guidelines and safeguarding the well-being of patients.

Once the policy framework has been finalised and approved, all relevant stakeholders would be informed on how to proceed with donations, the hospital says.

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