Also known as: Public Service Employee Medical Aid Scheme
Medical aid scheme for Namibian public service employees undergoing governance reforms and benefit restructuring, with mandate to redirect members to public healthcare facilities.
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New Era
Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (PSEMAS) will have sharp contribution increases effective 1 April 2026
“The report further outlines sharp increases in contributions to the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (PSEMAS), effective 1 April 2026.”
Nantu ‘accepts’ 5% salary incrementThe International Monetary Fund says Namibia's 1.7% economic growth in 2025 is too weak to meaningfully reduce unemployment, inequality and poverty, with growth expected to reach only 2.1% in 2026. The IMF attributes subdued performance to a narrow production base concentrated in public and extractive sectors, weak diamond production, declining gold output, and elevated fuel prices.
11 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The International Monetary Fund says Namibia's 1.7% economic growth in 2025 is too weak to meaningfully reduce unemployment, inequality and poverty, with growth expected to reach only 2.1% in 2026. The IMF attributes subdued performance to a narrow production base concentrated in public and extractive sectors, weak diamond production, declining gold output, and elevated fuel prices.
11 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Sources tell the Windhoek Observer that cleaners at the Social Security Commission earn approximately N$18,000 monthly, more than teachers on a cost-to-company basis, revealing a skewed remuneration structure as new leadership prepares salary reforms.
4 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has denied claims that it increased public healthcare tariffs to match those of the Namibia Association of Medical Aid Funds, clarifying that the Ministry of Finance—not the health ministry—has authority over Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme tariff changes. The ministry noted that tariff structures have not been comprehensively reviewed in 11 years despite significant changes in healthcare costs.
5 June 2026 · Informanté →
Martha Uupindi, 23, from Windhoek has been diagnosed with severe aplastic anaemia and is appealing to the public for assistance to fund a bone marrow transplant in South Africa. The family needs around N$200 000 for additional expenses such as travel, accommodation, medication and daily support, as Psemas is expected to cover most major medical costs.
13 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibia Nurses Union says nurses remain the backbone of the healthcare system despite facing staff shortages, burnout, unsafe working conditions and limited professional development opportunities, and called on government, healthcare institutions and policymakers to prioritize nurses' welfare and protection. A PDM MP also called on government to prioritize the mental well-being of psychiatric nurses, proposing dedicated psychological support and a special mental wellness allowance for those working in psychiatric departments.
13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The family of 23-year-old Martha Uupindi, a TVET student and stylist with very severe aplastic anaemia, is appealing for public financial assistance to fund a bone marrow transplant in South Africa. Although Psemas insurance will cover a significant portion, the family faces costs exceeding N$200 000.
8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Minister of health Esperance Luvindao told the National Assembly that Namibia needs N$17 billion to N$18 billion over five years to effectively run and upgrade public healthcare. The current annual health budget stands at approximately N$13.1 billion, but the minister said the increased funding would support upgrading existing facilities and building new intermediate and district hospitals.
22 April 2026 · The Namibian →
The Office of the Prime Minister has dismissed claims that recent amendments to the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme require members to reapply, stating the changes—including increased contribution rates, removal of the 5% co-payment, and benefit structure review—do not affect current membership status and were automatically implemented through payroll systems.
21 April 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia's government has begun phased implementation of Vision April 2026, an initiative to transform public healthcare by improving accessibility, quality and citizen confidence. The programme, which mandates senior government officials to use public facilities starting April 2024, includes infrastructure upgrades, N$239 million in medical equipment procurement and recruitment of 2,307 health workers, with expansion to additional facilities planned for 2027.
17 April 2026 · New Era →
The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations has ordered civil servants to reapply for Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme benefits by end of August following reforms to the scheme's operations. Trade unions have criticized the lack of consultation and warned that reported increases in medical aid contributions could severely impact civil servants' finances.
15 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Three public service unions gathered at Omusati Regional Council to reject the government's 5% salary increase for civil servants and the "Vision April 2026" proposal requiring Psemas members to use only public health facilities. The unions argue the healthcare policy threatens worker rights and freedom of choice, and say the government failed to consult them before proposing changes that affect conditions of employment.
21 March 2026 · The Namibian →
New Era editorial criticizes the government's plan to shift civil servants from private medical aid to the public health system, launching April 1st, saying that while the policy aim is sound, the Ministry of Health has failed to communicate implementation details—such as how facilities will handle 170,000 additional patients, whether separate units will be created, and how pharmacy access will work. The piece warns that without clear planning and transparency, the already strained public system risks being overwhelmed, and urges the ministry to provide reassurance before the transition takes effect.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare inaugurated a new governance structure for the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (Psemas) to improve accountability, efficiency and long-term sustainability. The new committee replaces the former coordinating committee and aims to strengthen healthcare governance, guide policy development, oversee reforms and ensure cost-effective healthcare benefits for public servants.
9 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Dr Esperance Luvindao, the Health and Social Services Minister, said the ministry is addressing long waiting times at public hospitals through recruitment of additional health workers, with about 70% of over 2,000 positions filled last year. She noted that extended clinic operating hours and budget provisions for further recruitment are also being implemented, amid concerns that mandatory public health facility use by 119,000 civil servants from April 2026 could strain already congested hospitals.
8 March 2026 · Informanté →
The Namibia Private Practitioners Forum has raised concerns that financial and operational gaps could hinder the government's Vision April 2026 plan to redirect public service medical scheme beneficiaries to state facilities. The forum warns that unclear tariff schedules, incomplete funding details, and lack of engagement with the private healthcare sector create uncertainty about whether patient care will remain accessible during the transition.
6 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
A dental therapist has been arrested and charged by the Anti-Corruption Commission over alleged fraudulent claims submitted to the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (PSEMAS) totalling more than N$400,000 for services allegedly not rendered between 2013 and 2017.
9 February 2026 · Informanté →
The Anti-Corruption Commission arrested Sydney Munkonge, owner of Sydney Dental Therapists, for allegedly submitting false claims to the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme worth N$405,675 for services not rendered between 2013 and 2017. He faces multiple counts of fraud and has been granted bail of N$50,000.
8 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services has opened consultations on proposed Universal Health Coverage legislation intended to ensure all Namibians access essential health services without financial hardship. The bill will establish legal and institutional frameworks for equitable health financing and service delivery, building on a national policy approved in 2025 and incorporating mechanisms such as the National Health Equity Fund.
1 February 2026 · The Namibian →