Shangula notifies the nation of the work of the ministry
• BY Veronica Amaral
Minister of Health Kalumbi Shangula said the government has approved the introduction of additional healthcare services in state-owned health facilities. This includes the installation of dialysis machines in many hospitals around the nation, the creation of Intensive Care Units in all districts nationwide, the growth of dentistry services, and the enhancement of oncology treatments.
“Katutura Intermediate Hospital is undergoing major renovation, upgrading, and restructuring. “On 1 November 2023, the Late President, Hage Geingob, inaugurated the newly renovated Emergency Centre at Katutura Intermediate Hospital.
“Several wards on different floors in the hospital are undergoing renovation, which will improve the hospital’s appearance, hygiene, and service delivhospitale renovation work has necessitated the temporary relocation of some patients to other areas of the hospihospitalluding the Field Hospital used during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a temporary arrangement,” he said.
Furthermore, the ministry has obtained medical equipment, including 20 dental chairs, 20 dental x-rays, 20 dental autoclaves, and related accessories. They have been installed at various health facilities in the country, especially in localities where these services were unavailable. The ministry has installed oxygen-generating systems at different health facilities around the country, which were installed in February this year.
Shangula further stated that the ministry is working around the clock to address diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and TB. “Our surveillance and response teams are primed to and have intensified efforts to overcome these challenges. I have said it before and will repeat it: prevention is better than cure. “Therefore, good health must start in our homes, communities, and schools,” he added.
Moreover, the minister calls upon all Namibians to cooperate with the public health authorities as they combat diseases that may occur in the communities. The minister added that the government has received international awards, especially in HIV and Hepatitis B prevention and control.