Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, revealed this week that the ministry has successfully obtained cabinet approval for a costed plan amounting to N.dollars 16.1 million for critical activities and interventions aimed at strengthening the health system over the period from 2023 to 2028.

Shangula was responding to questions posed by a member of the Popular Democratic Movement in Parliament, Jennifer van den Heever, regarding recent cases of medical negligence in the country.

Shangula stressed that at present, Namibia has five health professions councils, responsible for regulating the conduct of various health sector professions. According to Shangula, last year, the Ministry also developed the National Quality Policy and Strategy, which is aimed at enforcing practices and conduct that promote high-quality healthcare services.

'Quality standards for hospitals and primary healthcare facilities were introduced as part of that strategy. These standards define the fundamental functions, activities, processes, and structures necessary for healthcare organizations to deliver quality services,' Shangula said.

Last year, four hospitals, namely Grootfontein District Hospital, Katutura Intermediate Hospital, Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital, and Swakopmund District Hospital were selected for the initial implementation of the standards, Shangula said, adding that an additional six hospitals will implement the same standards in the current financial year.

'The standards emphasise the importance of continuous audits and improvement interventions to ensure that healthcare services adhere to the set standards. This proactive approach helps in identifying and addressing any potential issues that could lead to medical negligence,' Shangula noted.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency