Governor hears healthcare workers’ concerns during Oshakati Hospital visit
Oshana Regional Governor Hofni Iipinge has pledged to support efforts to improve conditions at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital after healthcare workers raised concerns over medicine shortages, overcrowding and ageing infrastructure.
The governor visited the hospital on Thursday, accompanied by Oshana Regional Police Commander Commissioner Andreas Shilelo and Health Campus Director Dr Jacob Sheema, to engage with nurses and other healthcare professionals on the challenges affecting service delivery.
During the meeting, healthcare workers highlighted several issues they said continue to hamper the provision of quality healthcare, including inadequate medicine supplies, overcrowded facilities, deteriorating infrastructure and a shortage of accommodation for staff.
Following the discussions, the delegation toured various sections of the hospital, including the high-care ward, the soon-to-be-completed 17-bed intensive care unit (ICU), nurses’ accommodation and other hospital facilities.
Iipinge also raised concern over overgrown grass and shrubs surrounding parts of the hospital, saying the area poses both safety and health risks to patients, staff and visitors.
He pledged to facilitate the clearing of the approximately 15 hectares of bush-covered land to create a safer and healthier environment around the hospital.
The governor also appealed to hospital management to hand over unused caravans on the premises to the Namibian Police to support policing activities in the area.
The visit formed part of the governor’s official engagement with healthcare workers aimed at understanding the challenges facing one of the region’s busiest public health facilities.
