Healthcare Relief for Windhoek: Okuryangava Clinic Launches 24/7 Services to Cut Long Queues
By TUW
Residents of Windhoek and nearby communities can now access medical care at any hour following the introduction of 24/7 services at Okuryangava Clinic, a move aimed at improving healthcare delivery and reducing congestion at major facilities.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services confirmed that the clinic officially began operating on a full-time basis on 1 April 2026, making it the third facility in the region to provide continuous services. This follows the recent upgrade of Maxuilili Clinic, which was also introduced as a 24-hour facility.
For years, patients have depended heavily on Katutura Health Centre, commonly known as “Blackchain,” as the only clinic offering overnight services. This resulted in overcrowding and long waiting times, placing strain on both patients and healthcare workers. Although the addition of Maxuilili Clinic helped to ease the burden, authorities acknowledged that further intervention was necessary.
Health officials say the inclusion of Okuryangava Clinic is part of a broader strategy to distribute patient loads more evenly across multiple facilities. By extending service hours, the Ministry aims to ensure that patients are attended to throughout the day and night, rather than creating peak-hour congestion during standard operating times.
Speaking on the development, the Executive Director highlighted the importance of deliberate action in achieving long-term improvements in the healthcare system. The Health Minister also emphasized that the approach focuses on transforming the system as a whole, rather than implementing isolated changes at individual facilities.
According to the Ministry, expanding services to a 24-hour model required addressing staffing shortages, improving equipment availability, and enhancing operational systems within the clinic. These measures form part of a wider decentralisation plan designed to strengthen healthcare delivery across the country.
Authorities indicated that similar initiatives may be rolled out in other regions as part of ongoing efforts to create a more efficient and accessible public health system.
