Namibia Minute.
Friday, 24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Person

Walters Kamaya

Also known as: Kamaya

Society

Government launches Vision April 2026 healthcare reform initiative

The News

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 →

Friday 17 April

  1. Government launches Vision April 2026 healthcare reform initiative

    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 →

Wednesday 15 April

  1. 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

  1. 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 →

Sunday 12 April

  1. VIP hospital unit contradicts healthcare reform drive, critics argue

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah ordered government officials to use public hospitals from April, but Windhoek Central Hospital's new VIP unit exclusively for senior officials has drawn opposition criticism as discriminatory and contrary to equitable healthcare goals. Opposition leaders and analysts argue the separate facility undermines the reform and mirrors apartheid-era segregation.

    12 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 5 April

  1. DBN funds N$1 billion Windhoek District Hospital construction

    The Development Bank of Namibia has allocated N$1 billion for construction of a 500-bed Windhoek District Hospital in Havana to address bed shortages and ease pressure on existing facilities in the Khomas region. The project is part of the government's healthcare infrastructure development plan and is expected to stimulate economic activity through construction and job creation, though land clearing remains pending before work commences.

    5 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 1 April

  1. PM says public and private healthcare can work together

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare visited Katutura and Central Hospital to assess readiness for a new policy requiring senior government officials to use State hospitals. The government has not yet decided which services will be offered at public versus private facilities; instead, patients will first be treated at State hospitals and referred to private providers if specialised care is unavailable.

    1 April 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 26 March

  1. Five promised hospitals remain unfinished after years of delays

    Namibia has failed to complete or begin construction on at least five district and intermediate hospitals announced between 2007 and 2024, with the oldest project at Ondangwa dating back 19 years. The health ministry attributes the delays to funding constraints, contractor failures, and pandemic disruptions, while health workers and residents warn that the lack of accessible facilities forces patients to travel dangerously long distances for care.

    26 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 23 March

  1. Namibia monitors South African Citro-Soda recall for safety risks

    Following a South African recall of Citro-Soda antacid batches, Namibia's Health Ministry is investigating whether affected products entered the local market and will consult with the Medicines Regulatory Council. The ministry has advised the public to remain vigilant and consult healthcare professionals if they experience unusual symptoms after using the product.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 13 March

  1. Ministry confirms no unclaimed bodies in state mortuaries

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has confirmed that there are currently no unclaimed bodies in state mortuaries across Namibia, with all bodies either claimed or within legally required holding periods. This marks a turnaround from 2023, when Windhoek Central Hospital mortuary held over 200 unclaimed bodies, including infants and unidentified adults.

    13 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Recalled South African baby formula may have reached Namibia

    Aptamil Nutribiotik 2 and Aptajunior Nutribiotik 3 infant formulas have been recalled in South Africa due to potential cereulide toxin contamination in raw materials, with the manufacturer confirming the products were exported to Namibia. The Ministry of Health and Social Services says it has not yet received official notification of the recall, while concerned parents in Windhoek express worry about formula safety and availability.

    13 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Namibia Minute