… A leaked internal letter dated 14 April shows that the hospital has run out of anaesthetic agents needed for general anaesthesia, with the shortage also linked to supply constraints at Central Medical Stores. …
Rundu joins Onandjokwe in surgery haltNamibia Minute.
Thursday, 21 May 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 21 May 2026
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Namibian press · Organization
Central Medical Stores
Also known as: CMS
Central Medical Stores — Namibia's pharmaceutical distribution facility subject to investigations into alleged fraud and stock manipulation, currently maintaining 60% stock levels against 80% target.
In coverage
Verbatim sentences from the source article.
- April 2026
… According to the letter, the hospital is experiencing a shortage of critical hypnotic anaesthetic agents, with similar supply constraints also affecting the Central Medical Stores (CMS), the country’s main pharmaceutical distribution hub. …
No anaesthetic, no surgeries at Onandjokwe- December 2025
… The Public Procurement Review Panel issued the slap on the wrist after investigations established without a doubt that the government was buying its own material stolen from the Central Medical Stores. …
Medicine Theft Only the Tip of the Iceberg- December 2023
… According to the programme, technical assistance is provided to the Central Medical Stores in forecasting and quantifying the need for ARVs in the country. …
Reflecting on a year of health challenges
Society
Doctors challenge health minister's claim on medicine stock improvement
The News
Medical specialists at public hospitals dispute health minister Esperance Luvindao's assertion that pharmaceutical stock levels have improved to 60%, saying critical shortages of essential medications continue to affect patient care across departments.
5 hours ago · The Namibian →
Yesterday
Doctors challenge health minister's claim on medicine stock improvement
Medical specialists at public hospitals dispute health minister Esperance Luvindao's assertion that pharmaceutical stock levels have improved to 60%, saying critical shortages of essential medications continue to affect patient care across departments.
5 hours ago · The Namibian →
Tuesday 19 May
Ministry reports essential medicines delivered, stock below target
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has intensified efforts to stabilise Namibia's pharmaceutical supply chain, with essential medicines and clinical supplies delivered to the Central Medical Stores over the past two weeks. The country's pharmaceutical stock service level currently stands at about 60%, below the targeted minimum of 80%, though urgent procurement interventions are showing progress.
19 May 2026 · New Era →
Monday 18 May
Health ministry adds supplies to address medicine shortages
The Ministry of Health reports that several essential pharmaceutical products are in short supply or out of stock at health facilities. The Central Medical Stores received pharmaceutical and clinical supplies between 27 April and 15 May 2026, including stocks of seizure control medication, blood glucose test strips, and blood pressure management drugs, intended to address urgent needs and stabilise inventory levels.
18 May 2026 · Informanté →
Health ministry pledges monthly medicine delivery transparency reports
The Ministry of Health and Social Services reports national pharmaceutical stock levels at 60%, below the 80% target, with several essential medicines understocked or out of stock across public healthcare facilities. The ministry will now issue monthly reports on pharmaceutical and clinical product deliveries to improve transparency and stabilise supply levels.
18 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Asoli criticizes President's silence on hospital medicine shortages
The Asoli Progressive Party has criticized President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for what it describes as insufficient response to ongoing medicine shortages in public hospitals, with the party's president Josef Kauandenge saying the government has not acted with enough urgency. Public concern has grown in recent weeks after patients were referred to private pharmacies due to stock-outs, though the Ministry of Health and Social Services announced it will now provide monthly updates on pharmaceutical supplies, with current stock levels at about 60% of required quantities.
18 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Sunday 17 May
Afripharm seeks to halt N$1.3 billion state medicine tender
Sara Katiti's Afripharm Investments is seeking to stop government contract negotiations on a N$1.3 billion tender for mental health, cancer, and chronic-disease medicines to state hospitals, arguing the tender expired in March 2025. The procurement has been mired in court disputes since April 2023, including a challenge over a N$1.3 billion award to a company owned by a five-year-old child.
17 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Sunday 26 April
Health Ministry uncovers fraud in pharmaceutical supply chain
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has uncovered suspected fraud within Namibia's pharmaceutical supply chain, including alleged manipulation of stock records and diversion of medicines at the Central Medical Stores, contributing to shortages of critical medicines and suspension of elective surgeries at some hospitals. The editorial argues that while the ministry's investigation and reassignment of implicated staff are necessary first steps, thorough investigation, accountability and structural reform are essential to address systemic weaknesses and restore public confidence.
26 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Tuesday 21 April
Health ministry under multiple corruption investigations by ACC
The Anti-corruption Commission is investigating multiple cases of theft and fraud within the Ministry of Health and Social Services, which also launched its own internal investigation after discovering alleged stock manipulation and diversion of pharmaceutical supplies within the Central Medical Stores. The ministry has reassigned implicated staff members pending investigation outcomes.
21 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Monday 20 April
Health ministry investigates fraud in pharmaceutical supply chain
The Namibian health ministry has launched an investigation into alleged fraud and theft within its pharmaceutical supply chain, including stock data manipulation and diversion of medicines. Executive director Penda Ithindi said implicated Central Medical Stores staff have been reassigned pending investigation, with criminal proceedings possible if guilt is established.
20 April 2026 · New Era →
Friday 17 April
Health ministry investigates alleged pharmaceutical fraud by staff
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has launched an investigation into suspected fraudulent activities within the pharmaceutical supply chain, allegedly involving ministry staff at the Central Medical Stores who may have manipulated stock data, stolen supplies, and created artificial shortages. The implicated staff have been reassigned pending investigation, and the ministry says those found guilty will face disciplinary and criminal proceedings.
17 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Thursday 16 April
Second hospital suspends elective surgery over anaesthetic drug shortage
Rundu Intermediate Hospital has halted elective surgeries due to shortages of critical anaesthetic agents needed for general anaesthesia, linked to supply constraints at Central Medical Stores. This follows a similar suspension at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital, with both hospitals prioritizing emergency cases using remaining anaesthetic stock.
16 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Onandjokwe Hospital suspends elective surgeries due to anaesthetic shortage
Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital has suspended all elective surgical procedures after running out of critical anaesthetic agents required for general anaesthesia, with similar supply constraints affecting the Central Medical Stores. The suspension is intended to prioritize limited supplies for emergency cases, and has raised parliamentary concerns about patient safety and operational stability at public health facilities.
16 April 2026 · The Namibian →