Medicine shortage: Shangula ‘not resting day or night'

Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula has acknowledged the persistent shortage of medical supplies in government hospitals, and has assured the public that his ministry is working tirelessly to address the issue.

"We are not resting day or night. We are working tirelessly to resolve this. However, purchasing medicine isn't as simple as walking into a store and picking up items. We are subject to regulatory authorities in the countries where we buy the medicine and import it. Everything is strictly regulated," he said.

The lack of medication has been a persistent concern for months, with growing frustration among patients and healthcare professionals.

Earlier this week, residents of Eenghalashe village in the Omusati Region visited a primary health mobile clinic, which was dispensing medicine at a rural centre. However, elderly residents were left frustrated when, after hours of queuing, they were told that no hypertension medicine was available. Many had travelled long distances, only to be referred to pharmacies and healthcare facilities even further away at their own expense.



Doctors frustrated

A Namibian Sun investigation earlier this month uncovered growing demoralisation among doctors at Rundu Intermediate Hospital, particularly in the casualty department, due to the frequent shortage of essential medications.

One doctor, who chose to remain anonymous, said he often feels ‘helpless’, as though he is failing his patients, due to the shortage of essential drugs.

“It makes you feel useless. When we don’t have critical fluids, you’re left wondering how to compensate for a patient’s needs. Certain fluids are necessary to help the patient, but when there’s nothing available, you’re left with no options," he said.



Mentally ill patients sedated

Three months ago, Namibian Sun reported that doctors and nurses at Oshakati State Hospital resorted to sedating mentally ill patients to avoid being assaulted due to a severe lack of psychotropic medication, which has persisted for months.

Patients in need of antidepressants and antipsychotics are reportedly mostly turned away, as the hospital has been in short supply for over a year, doctors told Namibian Sun.

A medical professional who preferred to remain anonymous described the challenging and sometimes violent behaviour of some patients, which includes grabbing, biting and punching other patients or healthcare staff, or injuring themselves.

What is worse, the doctor noted, is that these patients may not be aware of their actions, leading some to require physical restraints.



Blame it on the Act

Earlier this month, Shangula informed the National Assembly that last year’s tender for procuring essential medicines remains unresolved due to ongoing legal disputes. He was responding to concerns raised by Republican Party (RP) parliamentarian Herlinde Tjiveze about the shortage of essential medicines.

Shangula explained that challenges posed by the Public Procurement Act require public entities to procure medicines through the Central Procurement Board of Namibia.

In response to delays, his ministry is exploring alternative measures within the legal framework to address the shortages, he noted.



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