Medicine Shortages Push Ministry of Health Back Towards Middlemen
By TUW
Namibia’s ongoing shortage of essential medicines has intensified pressure on the healthcare system, prompting emergency procurement measures and renewed reliance on private suppliers, according to information obtained by the Windhoek Observer.
Health facilities across the country are reportedly operating with critically low stock levels, affecting services and forcing delays in medical procedures. Sources indicate that hospitals have increasingly turned to local pharmaceutical suppliers to bridge the gap often at significantly inflated prices.
The situation comes as the Ministry of Health and Social Services engages the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) to secure a 12-month supply of antiretroviral medicines through an international bidding process. This move has raised concerns about a shift back to intermediaries, after a previous policy aimed at sourcing medicines directly from manufacturers.
Reports suggest that despite the shortages, approximately N$700 million was returned to the treasury, even as healthcare providers struggled to maintain adequate supplies. In response to the crisis, the ministry recently conducted urgent purchases from local companies many of whom were previously sidelined with prices allegedly reaching up to five times the usual rates.
Healthcare workers describe the situation as increasingly difficult, citing postponed operations and widespread concern among medical staff due to limited access to critical medicines. Internal records reportedly show that hundreds of medical items including insulin, vaccines, and HIV-related treatments are in short supply at the Central Medical Stores.
Executive Director Penda Ithindi acknowledged reduced stock levels but maintained that efforts are underway to stabilise supply. He noted that deliveries from manufacturers are ongoing and that procurement strategies are being adjusted to improve long-term availability. While the ministry claims stock levels average above 50%, other sources argue the figure is significantly lower.
The current challenges come months after the government moved to eliminate intermediaries in favour of direct procurement, a strategy initially expected to reduce costs. However, this approach is now facing scrutiny, particularly following claims of higher-than-expected prices in some transactions.
Regulatory hurdles also continue to slow down supply chains. Lengthy approval processes for medicines sometimes taking several years have reportedly delayed deliveries, especially for unregistered products requiring special permits.
Despite criticism, the ministry insists the direct procurement model remains effective and has already generated substantial savings. Authorities say efforts are ongoing to resolve administrative bottlenecks and ensure consistent access to essential medicines nationwide.
