Ministry of Health and Social Services

Also known as: Health ministry · Ministry of Health · The Ministry of Health and Social Services · the health ministry · Ministry of Health and Social Services-Namibia · MoHSS · Ministry of Health and Social Welfare

Namibian government ministry investigating pharmaceutical fraud, supply shortages, and corruption allegations within its healthcare system and Central Medical Stores.

Politics

Ondangwa CEO outlines town's health, housing, road projects

The News

Ondangwa Town Council CEO Isamel Namugongo told New Era that the long-delayed Ondangwa State Hospital is back on track with central government support and environmental studies underway, while the council has doubled residential areas, upgraded roads to tar in several extensions, and is preparing to modernise the town's struggling sewerage infrastructure. Key challenges include high unemployment affecting residents' ability to pay municipal bills and ageing infrastructure designed for a much smaller population.

17 April 2026 · New Era →

Friday 17 April

Ondangwa CEO outlines town's health, housing, road projects
Ondangwa Town Council CEO Isamel Namugongo told New Era that the long-delayed Ondangwa State Hospital is back on track with central government support and environmental studies underway, while the council has doubled residential areas, upgraded roads to tar in several extensions, and is preparing to modernise the town's struggling sewerage infrastructure. Key challenges include high unemployment affecting residents' ability to pay municipal bills and ageing infrastructure designed for a much smaller population.
17 April 2026 · New Era →
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 →
Family seeks bail revocation in hospital death case
The family of Nico Sisamu Simasiku, who died after being assaulted at a Katima Mulilo hospital in January, is pushing for the accused mortuary attendant's bail to be revoked. The family says they were not consulted on the bail decision, feel excluded from the justice process, and have received no support from the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
16 April 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 15 April

Cataract surgical campaign aims to restore sight for 500 patients
A week-long cataract surgical campaign in Zambezi and Kavango East regions will restore vision to approximately 500 cataract-blind patients, with local surgical teams and international volunteers from Germany and America performing the operations. The campaign, launched by Zambezi regional governor Dorothy Kabula, has already operated on over 200 patients in its first three days.
15 April 2026 · New Era →
Okahandja woman seeks identity help to bury partner
An Okahandja woman is appealing for help to bury her partner of nine years, who died in hospital in March but remains unidentified after authorities found no official records of him despite fingerprint checks. Social workers are investigating through community connections, and the woman hopes public appeal will help trace his family or origin.
15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 14 April

Namibia launches third polio vaccination round targeting remaining 10%
Round 3 of Namibia's National Polio Vaccination Campaign will run from 20 to 23 April, following 90% coverage in Round 2. The health ministry says closing the 10% vaccination gap is critical after poliovirus was detected in sewage samples from Windhoek and Gobabis, signalling active circulation within the country.
14 April 2026 · New Era →
Windhoek High Court grants partial discharge in fraud case
Judge Nate Ndauendapo partially upheld discharge applications from Antoine Mbok and Daniel David Nghiwilepo, who were accused of defrauding the government of over N$3 million. Mbok was discharged on seven counts but faces three remaining charges including money laundering, while Nghiwilepo was discharged on multiple charges but must answer two conspiracy counts.
14 April 2026 · New Era →
Health ministry awaits police conclusion on hospital fraud case
The Ministry of Health and Social Services will not take disciplinary action against four nurses, an intern doctor, and a doctor from Onandjokwe State Hospital accused of defrauding Sanlam of about N$1.9 million until police investigations are completed. The 12 arrested individuals are alleged to have helped members of the public claim insurance payouts using fake documents and fake death claims between 2020 and 2024.
14 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 13 April

Largest maternity ward in Namibia officially opens
A 120-bed maternity ward at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital in Oshikoto has been inaugurated by Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao. The facility, costing N$57 million and described as the largest in the country, replaces a 1964-era maternity building and aims to address long-standing healthcare needs for expectant and new mothers.
13 April 2026 · New Era →