Medical Associations Demand Ngurare Apology Over PSEMAS Cartel Claims
The Namibia Medical Society (NMS) and the Medical Association of Namibia (MAN) have demanded an apology from Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare over his allegations of an organised cartel exploiting the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (PSEMAS).
The associations said the remarks, made in the National Assembly on 22 October, risk creating the impression that doctors across the country are involved in criminal activities without evidence being presented to support the claims.
Ngurare reportedly raised concerns about possible collusion between doctors and individuals within PSEMAS, suggesting that medical claims were being inflated as the scheme’s expenditure continued to rise.
In their joint statement, the medical bodies called for the Prime Minister to withdraw his allegations in Parliament, issue a public apology and provide details of the suspected irregularities, including the healthcare providers implicated and investigations conducted.
They stressed that they do not support fraud or corruption and would not protect any practitioner found guilty of wrongdoing. However, they said individuals suspected of misconduct must be investigated and held accountable through established legal and professional procedures.
The associations also argued that PSEMAS’s financial challenges should not be blamed on doctors alone, as other healthcare providers also submit claims. They called for a broader review of the scheme’s payment systems, financial management and spending controls.
The dispute comes as government seeks to improve PSEMAS’s financial sustainability. Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah announced during the 2026/27 mid-term budget review that N$535 million had been earmarked as additional funding for the scheme, while N$130 million was intended for the Contingency Fund.
NMS and MAN said they remained willing to support reforms but insisted that healthcare professionals must be involved in discussions aimed at finding lasting solutions.
They also asked the Speaker of the National Assembly to consider whether Ngurare’s remarks complied with parliamentary rules, arguing that accountability must be based on evidence and due process rather than accusations that could damage the reputation of an entire profession.
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