Ministry of Health and Social Services

Also known as: The Ministry of Health and Social Services · Ministry of Health and Social Services-Namibia · MHSS

Government body overseeing Namibia's healthcare system, investigating allegations against medical professionals and managing compensation for medical negligence claims.

2020-03-202026-07-23

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

June 2026
9 JunWindhoek Observer
Ministry of Health and Social Services has previously stated commitment to transparency
Source
“While the ministry of health and social services has previously stated its commitment to transparency, repeated audit findings have highlighted weaknesses in inventory management, procurement oversight, and contract monitoring.”
ACC summons tender official in ‘health rot’ probe
6 JunThe Namibian
Ministry of Health and Social Services inaugurated new dialysis unit at Walvis Bay District Hospital
Source
“Fifty-four state patients in the Erongo region are expected to benefit from a new dialysis unit inaugurated at Walvis Bay District Hospital on Thursday.”
New state dialysis unit to serve 54 Erongo patients
5 JunInformanté
Ministry of Health and Social Services has dismissed claims that it increased public healthcare tariffs by aligning them with NAMAF tariffs
Source
“THE Ministry of Health and Social Services has dismissed claims that it has increased public healthcare tariffs by aligning them with those of the Namibia Association of Medical Aid Funds (NAMAF), stressing that it does not have the authority to determine or amend Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (PSEMAS) tariffs.”
Health ministry denies raising public healthcare tariffs to match private healthcare rates
2 JunThe Namibian
Ministry of Health and Social Services discontinued nursing training through National Health Training Centres in 2017
Source
“The union said the mushrooming of private nursing colleges followed the discontinuation of nursing training by the Ministry of Health and Social Services through National Health Training Centres in 2017.”
Union warns private nursing college oversupply stalls jobs
1 JunWindhoek Observer
Ministry of Health and Social Services has removed Fransina Nambahu as registrar of medicines at the NMRC
Source
“The Ministry of Health and Social Services has removed Fransina Nambahu as registrar of medicines at the Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council (NMRC).”
Luvindao fires registrar of medicines
1 JunWindhoek Observer
Ministry of Health and Social Services has appointed Frieda Shiweda as registrar of medicines, effective 1 June 2026
Source
“The ministry has now appointed Frieda Shiweda to the position with effect from 1 June 2026.”
Luvindao fires registrar of medicines
May 2026
26 MayThe Namibian
Ministry of Health and Social Services is considering a proposal for state cancer patients referred to private oncology provider
Source
“The Ministry of Health and Social Services is considering a proposal that could see state cancer patients referred to a private oncology provider for chemotherapy and radiation treatment.”
Govt weighs private deal for state cancer patients
24 MayThe Namibian
Ministry of Health and Social Services rolled out three consecutive rounds of nationwide polio vaccination campaign between January and April
Source
“In efforts to deal with the outbreak, the Ministry of Health and Social Services rolled out three consecutive rounds of a nationwide polio vaccination campaign between January and April this year, targeting all children aged 10 and under to halt potential transmission.”
‘Life is a journey, don’t end it because it’s changed’
23 MayThe Namibian
Ministry of Health and Social Services confirms no confirmed or suspected Ebola cases in Namibia
Source
“"The Ministry of Health and Social Services confirms that there are no confirmed or suspected cases of Ebola in Namibia," Ithindi said.”
Namibia records no confirmed or suspected Ebola cases
21 MayWindhoek Observer
Ministry of Health and Social Services revealed national pharmaceutical stock levels are at about 60%, below 80% target
Source
“This week, the Ministry of Health and Social Services revealed that national pharmaceutical stock levels are sitting at about 60%, below the government's minimum target of 80%.”
Medicine shortages gives NNN sleepless nights

Society

Health ministry seeks dismissal of medical negligence lawsuit

The News

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has applied to the High Court to dismiss a N$13 million lawsuit filed by a woman who alleges a doctor left a needle in her uterus during surgery in February 2016, resulting in infertility and pain. The ministry argues the case was filed in March 2023, more than three years after the alleged incident, exceeding the maximum three-year period allowed to institute legal action.

21 July 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 21 July

Health ministry seeks dismissal of medical negligence lawsuit
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has applied to the High Court to dismiss a N$13 million lawsuit filed by a woman who alleges a doctor left a needle in her uterus during surgery in February 2016, resulting in infertility and pain. The ministry argues the case was filed in March 2023, more than three years after the alleged incident, exceeding the maximum three-year period allowed to institute legal action.
21 July 2026 · Informanté →
Rape-accused doctor Dennis Noa seeks bail to resume work
Medical doctor Dennis Noa, arrested in connection with the alleged rape of a 26-year-old man at a public hospital premises, asked the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court to grant him bail so he can return to his duties. The state opposed bail, citing rape as a serious offence and arguing that release could risk witness interference, further offences, or absconding.
21 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Witkop Primary learners recover after fish cake food poisoning
101 learners from Witkop Primary School were clinically assessed at St Mary's District Hospital in Rehoboth after developing gastrointestinal symptoms following consumption of fish cakes at GoodHope Hostel on 9 July 2026; 19 required admissions due to dehydration. Preliminary laboratory results indicated Salmonella bacteria, with investigations ongoing into the cause.
21 July 2026 · New Era →
Medicine shortage at Rundu Hospital part of nationwide crisis
The Ministry of Health and Social Services says a critical shortage of medicines at Rundu State Hospital and clinics is not isolated but a countrywide issue, with patients leaving without medications and those with chronic conditions at particular risk. The ministry says it is addressing the shortage and has committed to providing monthly updates on pharmaceutical stock levels at government Central Medical Stores.
21 July 2026 · Informanté →
Allegations against doctor highlight institutional failure protecting patients
An opinion piece examining allegations against an intern doctor at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital before Ondangwa Magistrate's Court, arguing that Namibia's healthcare and institutional systems have failed to adequately identify, monitor, and respond to repeated allegations against professionals with power over vulnerable people.
21 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Healthcare system scrutinized after repeated allegations at hospital
A Windhoek Observer editorial argues that allegations against an intern doctor at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital currently before Ondangwa Magistrate's Court raise broader questions about whether Namibia's healthcare institutions can adequately identify, monitor and respond to repeated allegations against professionals with power over vulnerable people.
21 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Health ministry investigates intern doctor on rape charge
An intern doctor at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital has been remanded in custody on a rape charge after appearing in Ondangwa Magistrate's Court. The alleged incident occurred when the doctor invited a 26-year-old man to celebrate his new job, and the complainant alleges he was sexually assaulted after consuming a drink that appeared to contain a dissolved pill.
21 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Health ministry investigates intern doctor over rape allegation
An intern doctor at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital has been remanded in custody on a rape charge after appearing in Ondangwa Magistrate's Court; the ministry of health and social services has launched an internal administrative investigation. The alleged incident occurred when the doctor invited a 26-year-old to the hospital, where the complainant alleges he was drugged and sexually assaulted.
21 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 20 July

Health ministry investigates alleged rape at Onandjokwe Hospital
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has initiated administrative investigations into an alleged rape incident on 19 July 2026 at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital, following the arrest of medical intern Dennis Noa (31), who was denied bail in Ondangwa Magistrate's Court. Noa was previously acquitted of a similar rape charge at Katutura Intermediate Hospital in 2021.
20 July 2026 · Informanté →
Ministry investigates doctor accused of rape at hospital
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has launched an administrative investigation into medical intern Dennis Noa, who was arrested in connection with an alleged rape at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital. The ministry said it has activated internal disciplinary processes alongside police investigation and condemned sexual violence.
20 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Doctor arrested in second rape investigation within five years
A 31-year-old doctor at Onandjokwe Hospital was arrested over the weekend on allegations of raping a 26-year-old man at his room. The arrest comes three years after the Windhoek High Court acquitted the doctor of a separate rape charge involving an 18-year-old patient at Katutura Intermediate Hospital.
20 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 18 July

Omaheke governor urges officials to use upgraded state hospitals
Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate has told government officials to use public healthcare facilities in the region, saying they have been upgraded with improved cleanliness and service delivery. The Ministry of Health and Social Services has maintained, renovated and rehabilitated healthcare infrastructure across the region, including work on Gobabis District Hospital's entrance, power generation, and facilities at Epako and Eiseb clinics.
18 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 16 July

Ministry identifies 373 street-connected children in 2023
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare identified 373 children living and working on the streets in 2023 and plans to conduct a regional study this year to determine actual numbers and social and economic factors driving children to street life. The Khomas region recorded the highest number of street-connected children.
16 July 2026 · New Era →
Medical disputes arise from poor consent, communication breakdown
A medical specialist calls for greater emphasis on informed consent and open communication between doctors and patients, noting that many medical-legal disputes arise from misunderstandings and breakdowns in communication rather than poor treatment. Records show the ministry of health and social services paid compensation in 45 medical negligence claims between 2019 and 2024, totaling almost N$14.7 million.
16 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 15 July

Health Ministry paid N$1.2 million in compensation during 2024/25
The Ministry of Health and Social Services spent N$1,286,051.90 on compensatory payouts related to six settlements during the 2024/25 financial year, according to Health Minister Esperance Luvindao. This follows reports that the ministry spent nearly N$14.7 million on compensation claims between 2019 and 2024.
15 July 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 14 July

Katima medical students settle tuition fees with cattle
Students at Shiramed Medical Institute in Katima Mulilo have negotiated with the institution to pay tuition fees with cattle instead of cash, an arrangement the principal tutor says has helped those without ready cash but who own livestock. The Students Union of Namibia supports the model, suggesting payment with livestock and agricultural produce could help rural families access higher education.
14 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 13 July

Namibia and China elevate ties, sign multiple cooperation agreements
During President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's state visit to Beijing in July, Namibia and China signed agreements and memoranda covering economic partnership, healthcare, education, green minerals, tourism and agriculture, elevating bilateral relations to a Namibia-China Community with a Shared Future for the New Era.
13 July 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 10 July

Namibia-China friendship marks 35 years with healthcare focus
The Chinese Embassy says healthcare is a major pillar of Namibia-China cooperation, with Chinese medical teams providing free traditional Chinese medicine services at Katutura State Hospital since 1996; the 15th team treated more than 19,000 patients over 18 months, and the 16th team arrived in 2024 to continue the programme.
10 July 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 9 July

Africa CDC youth health strategy requires political will and funding
Africa CDC launched a health strategy for youth (2025–2028) entering its first full year of implementation, with Namibia and other member states needing to determine whether political will and funding exist to support it. Two young African women working in youth health programmes attended the ninth Pan-African Adolescent and Youth SRHR Scientific Conference in Mombasa and observed both progress in what African youth are building and uncertainty about institutional commitment.
9 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 8 July

Ambulance shortage in rural areas costs lives, pastor says
A retired pastor in Kalkfeld recounts how the lack of an available ambulance prevented his wife from attending medical appointments in February and May 2024, leading to her condition worsening and her death in July 2024. The shortage of ambulances in rural areas continues to delay emergency response, though a new ambulance has recently arrived in Kalkfeld to provide relief.
8 July 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 7 July

Namport donates two ambulances to Health Ministry
The Namibian Ports Authority's social investment fund has donated two fully equipped ambulances to the Ministry of Health and Social Services to strengthen emergency medical services in the Otjozondjupa Region, with one earmarked for Kalkfeld, which previously relied on ambulances dispatched from Otjiwarongo, 60 kilometres away.
7 July 2026 · Informanté →
Parliament launches review of nursing schools expansion
Parliament's Standing Committee on Education has begun a comprehensive review of the rapid expansion of nursing schools and health training centres, citing concerns over training quality, accreditation systems, and unemployment among health graduates. The review involves stakeholder consultations to assess whether the regulatory framework for health training institutions is effective and aligned with national health workforce needs.
7 July 2026 · New Era →
Ministry plans first national air ambulance service
Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao announced the ministry of health and social services is planning to establish Namibia's first dedicated national air ambulance service to improve emergency medical care and access to treatment in remote communities. The announcement accompanies plans to procure 30 additional ambulances during the 2026/27 financial year.
7 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 6 July

State lawyers accused of mishandling medical claims, losing millions
Government lawyers are accused of mishandling health-related legal cases and potentially sharing settlement payouts with senior ministry officials and claimants' lawyers. Between 2019 and 2024, the health ministry spent N$14.7m on medical claims, with about N$5.5m spent over the past year, amid delays in a nationwide medico-legal training programme.
6 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Health training institutions seek simpler accreditation system
Health training institutions have called for a streamlined, harmonised accreditation system to reduce duplicate inspections and regulatory overlap. They cite long approval processes and a shortage of clinical training sites as obstacles to training health professionals.
6 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Namport donates two ambulances to health ministry
The Ministry of Health and Social Services received two fully equipped ambulances from the Namport Social Investment Fund, with one allocated to Kalkfeld in Otjozondjupa region and the other to an area of greatest need. Health Minister Esperance Luvindao said the donation will strengthen emergency medical services in remote communities where long distances pose challenges to healthcare delivery.
6 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Government distributes 33 medicine categories nationwide
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has received and distributed 33 categories of critically needed medicines and clinical supplies between 18 June and 1 July 2026, part of efforts to address medicine shortages and stabilize the national pharmaceutical supply chain. The deliveries include cancer medicines such as Cyclophosphamide, Cytarabine, and Thioguanine, alongside antibiotics.
6 July 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 5 July

Health minister reports doctors leaving interns to run hospitals
Parliament has received allegations that medical doctors are leaving interns to run health facilities, including at Mariental and Oshakati hospitals. The Ministry of Health and Social Services is investigating the claims, which raise concerns about intern supervision, patient safety, and the quality of medical training.
5 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Russia donates mobile laboratory to strengthen disease outbreak response
Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services received an all-terrain mobile laboratory from the Russian Federation, equipped with advanced molecular diagnostic technology for rapid testing and detection of infectious diseases in remote areas. The donation includes specialized training for Namibian health professionals to support operation and maintenance of the facility.
5 July 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 4 July

Health Ministry receives 33 medicine lines, more expected
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has received and distributed 33 line items of critically needed medicine since 18 June, including cancer medicines, antibiotics, antihypertensives, and diabetes medications, with additional deliveries expected in coming weeks as part of efforts to address stock shortages and stabilise the national supply chain.
4 July 2026 · Informanté →