On Thursday, 16 October 2025, the Minister of Health and Social Services paid an unannounced visit to Intermediate Hospital Katutura to observe daily operations and assess progress on ongoing renovations.
During the visit, the Minister toured the 8th, 7th, 6th, 4th, 2nd, and ground floors, many of which are under renovation. She met with hospital management, maintenance teams, and officials from both the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the Ministry of Works and Transport. Hospital staff expressed concerns over slow progress, poor workmanship, and a lack of accountability.
Addressing the issues, Minister Dr. Luvindao said, “Going forward, all parties involved must hold weekly update meetings to ensure work meets health standards and deadlines are respected. When this is not done, it is ultimately the patients who suffer.” She expressed concern over delays, adding, “The acute care ward, among others, has long passed its handover date. I urge the project management team to take full ownership and ensure all outstanding work is completed by the end of November 2025.”
Supporting the Minister, Dr. Amagulu, Medical Superintendent of Intermediate Hospital Katutura, noted, “Contractors undertaking projects at health facilities must have relevant experience and a solid understanding of health-specific construction requirements. A lack of such expertise leads to delays, costly rework, and substandard outcomes.”
Hospital management welcomed the Minister’s visit, stating, “Leadership visibility and direct involvement from the highest office of the Ministry play a key role in ensuring projects are delivered efficiently and to the required standards. We appreciate the Minister’s engagement, which promotes transparency, accountability, and timely execution of tasks.”
The Minister, together with the Minister of Works and Transport, will conduct a follow-up visit to monitor progress and ensure that all directives are implemented.
