Namibia Minute.
Friday, 24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
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Organization

Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme

Also known as: Psemas · Public Service Employee Medical Aid Scheme

Medical aid scheme for Namibian civil servants undergoing reforms in 2026, including removal of co-payments and mandatory use of public health facilities.

Society

Mandatory public hospital use for state staff faces practical concerns

The News

A public policy expert argues that while the government's plan to require state employees to use public hospitals is well-intentioned, it risks overwhelming already-stretched facilities without adequate billing systems, administrative capacity, or quality improvements in place. The expert advocates for gradual integration with incentives, strict quality benchmarks, and phased implementation rather than compulsory use.

2 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 2 March

  1. Mandatory public hospital use for state staff faces practical concerns

    A public policy expert argues that while the government's plan to require state employees to use public hospitals is well-intentioned, it risks overwhelming already-stretched facilities without adequate billing systems, administrative capacity, or quality improvements in place. The expert advocates for gradual integration with incentives, strict quality benchmarks, and phased implementation rather than compulsory use.

    2 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 1 March

  1. Government removes PSEMAS co-payment, raises member contributions

    The government has decided to eliminate the 5% co-payment under PSEMAS effective 1 April 2026, while increasing member contributions for both low and high options. The decision follows consultation with trade unions and accompanies broader reforms including strengthened financial controls and establishment of a governance committee.

    1 March 2026 · Informanté →

  2. MPs criticise directive requiring public servants use state health facilities

    Former and current MPs have condemned President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's directive requiring public servants to use state healthcare facilities from 1 April, citing constitutional concerns, infringement of personal choice, and doubts about public facility readiness. Minister of Health Esperance Luvindao responded by clarifying that no one will be forced to use public facilities and those who opt out can use N$240 to access private medical care.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 27 February

  1. Government covers full medical aid costs for civil servants

    The government will pay 100% of medical aid for civil servants from 1 April, removing a 5% levy previously charged to service providers, while civil servants and senior officials must use public hospitals. The change follows an agreement between public sector unions and the Cabinet, and includes salary increments of 5% for most grades effective 1 April this year, with a further 5% increase from 2027.

    27 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 26 February

  1. Health reform creates 2,000 jobs, shifts officials to State care

    Namibia's Minister of Health says a directive moving civil servants' medical care from private facilities to State hospitals will create at least 2,000 health sector jobs, with 1,262 positions already filled as of mid-January 2026. The reform, launching 1 April 2026 in seven facilities, is part of a broader effort to strengthen public health infrastructure and address a two-tier healthcare system where the majority of citizens rely on public facilities while senior officials access private services.

    26 February 2026 · New Era →

  2. Psemas reform raises questions about fairness and system capacity

    Three opinion pieces debate the government's plan to redirect Public Service Employee Medical Aid Scheme members to public healthcare facilities, weighing concerns about private sector job losses, the fairness of restricting access for those paying contributions, and whether equalisng access will worsen already strained public hospital capacity.

    26 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 25 February

  1. President to use public hospitals under new Psemas directive

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will use public health facilities after issuing a directive for state employees under the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (Psemas) to do the same as part of healthcare system reform. The Ministry of Health says it is strengthening medicine supply and staffing, though some civil servants question whether public hospitals are adequately resourced to handle increased patient loads.

    25 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Leaked document shows 5% civil servant pay rise from 2026

    A leaked government document indicates civil servants and teachers will receive a 5% salary increase for the 2026/27 financial year and a further 5% for 2027/28, with no transport allowance increment in 2026/27 but a 7% increase scheduled for 2027/28. A senior government official confirmed the document's authenticity and said an official announcement will be made in due course, though some government bodies including the Prime Minister's office said they are unaware of the increment.

    25 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 24 February

  1. Nantu reports 5% salary deal for teachers; TUN disputes agreement

    The Namibia National Teachers' Union's Rundu branch reported concluding negotiations with government for a 5% salary increase for teachers in the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 financial years, with no increase for 2025/2026, alongside increases in medical aid contributions. However, the Teachers Union of Namibia disputed the agreement, stating that any national-level salary deal must be publicly signed between recognized bargaining parties and that TUN has not been party to concluded negotiations.

    24 February 2026 · New Era →

  2. Senior government officials to transition to public healthcare in April

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah has directed senior government officials to move to public healthcare facilities from 1 April as part of a five-year development plan to upgrade public hospitals and clinics. The phased transition aims to secure high-level support for healthcare reforms, though civil servants have raised concerns about public facility overcrowding, staff shortages, and medication supply issues.

    24 February 2026 · The Namibian →

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