Rundu, Namibia – Speaking during the national commemoration of World AIDS Day on Friday, Vicky Kauna called for urgent transformation of Rundu's clinics into fully equipped health centers. She emphasized the need for improved healthcare infrastructure to address the growing demand for medical services in the region.
“All clinics in Rundu should be transformed into health centers so that doctors and nurses can stay there and assist people during the night. This will allow community members to stop going to Rundu Intermediate Hospital unnecessarily and stay in their respective areas,” Kauna said.
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| Rundu Hospital |
Kauna highlighted the burden placed on the Rundu Intermediate Hospital, the only referral hospital in the region, which serves patients from Zambezi, Kavango West, Ohangwena, and Grootfontein. The hospital’s limited capacity often leaves many residents of Rundu without the healthcare services they need.
“People from Ndama, Sauyemwa, Kehemu, and Kaisosi don’t need to rely solely on one hospital. More infrastructure should be built to decentralize healthcare services,” she added.
Kauna also drew attention to the issue of staffing, pointing out that young Namibian doctors often prefer to remain in Windhoek due to a lack of accommodation and opportunities in Rundu. “If we can transform the infrastructure here, many doctors will remain with us. We need doctors and specialists who can cater for us here in our town,” she said.
Kauna’s remarks underline the pressing need for investment in healthcare infrastructure and workforce development in Rundu to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all residents.