Windhoek District Hospital to address healthcare scarcity

As part of its efforts to bring services closer to the people, the health ministry yesterday held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Windhoek District Hospital in the Havana informal settlement. Officially inaugurated by Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on behalf of President Nangolo Mbumba, the hospital is slated to be completed in 2027 and will have 500 beds, alleviating the pressure on the Katutura Intermediate Hospital and “curbing the scramble for healthcare services by the public”.

Giving the keynote address, Nandi-Ndaitwah said there is a need for everyone to embrace the idea of a healthy nation. “A sick nation is an unproductive nation. An unproductive nation will remain underdeveloped, and people will continue to suffer in poverty.”

She added that, as leaders, they remain determined to ensure that healthcare services are both efficient and effective.

Also speaking at the ceremony, health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula said apart from the conventional hospital departments, an appropriate mental health unit and a frail care unit, the hospital will have staff accommodation and recreation facilities.

“The project will create employment opportunities, especially for young professionals and for general support services,” he noted.