Government Saves Millions by Cutting Out Middlemen in Medicine Procurement

The Namibian government is preparing to enter long-term procurement agreements with international pharmaceutical manufacturers in a bid to prevent recurring shortages of essential medicines.

Health and Social Services Minister, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, announced the plan at a press briefing in Windhoek today, stressing that the initiative is aimed at strengthening the stability of the country’s health supply chain.

She revealed that since adopting direct procurement from manufacturers, the ministry has already saved nearly N$221 million—funds that would have otherwise been spent on intermediaries. According to the minister, the cost-saving strategy not only reduces financial waste but also ensures faster and more reliable access to vital medicines for Namibians.