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Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Windhoek Central Hospital

Also known as: WCH · Windhoek Central Hospital State mortuary · Mental Health Unit at Windhoek Central Hospital · WHC

Windhoek Central Hospital — Namibia's largest public hospital, housing specialty units including cardiology, paediatric intensive care, mental health services, and the country's first public MRI machine.

2023-07-192026-10-22
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News reports

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Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.

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What’s been said

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

  1. October 2026

  2. The Namibian

    Windhoek Central Hospital experienced investigation into toxic conditions at its cardiac unit

    Source

    “Paediatric cardiologist Dr Fenny Shidhika says she feels targeted by the health ministry following an investigation into toxic conditions at Windhoek Central Hospital.”

    Windhoek Central Hospital cardiologist resigns amid bullying probe

  3. The Namibian

    Windhoek Central Hospital currently provides mental health services at its mental health unit

    Source

    “Currently, mental health services are only provided at Windhoek Central Hospital's mental health unit and at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital's ward 16, with only six psychiatrists, eight psychologists and 21 nurses trained to deal with the condition.”

    Mental health units mandatory for new Namibian hospitals

  4. Windhoek Observer

    Windhoek Central Hospital houses Namibia's largest specialised mental health care unit with 206 beds

    Source

    “Windhoek Central Hospital houses Namibia's largest specialised mental health care unit, with 206 beds for civil and forensic psychiatric patients.”

    Namibia’s suicide rate surpasses African average

  5. Windhoek Observer

    Windhoek Central Hospital acknowledges that it does not yet have a formal palliative care department

    Source

    “However, the plans come as Windhoek Central Hospital (WHC) acknowledges that it does not yet have a formal palliative care department, with staff outlining a phased approach to developing specialist capacity and integrating services across hospital departments.”

    Govt faces palliative care expansion challenge

  6. Windhoek Observer

    Windhoek Central Hospital is site of controversy surrounding paediatric cardiologist Dr Fenni Shidhika

    Source

    “There is a larger question emerging from the controversy surrounding paediatric cardiologist Dr Fenni Shidhika at Windhoek Central Hospital — one that extends far beyond the individual disciplinary proceedings now facing her.”

    TURNING POINT |The Dangerous Cost of Punishing Those Who Demand Better Standards

  7. Informanté

    Windhoek Central Hospital hosted World Patient Safety Day 2026 commemoration event

    Source

    “The Ministry made the commitment during the commemoration of World Patient Safety Day 2026 at Windhoek Central Hospital, held under the theme "Safe Care for Noncommunicable Diseases".”

    Ministry reaffirms commitment to patient safety

  8. New Era

    Windhoek Central Hospital hosted World Heart Day commemoration with cardiovascular health awareness session

    Source

    “This was revealed during World Heart Day, commemorated on Tuesday at the Windhoek Central Hospital.”

    Heart disease is the world’s leading cause of death
  9. September 2026

  10. Informanté

    Windhoek Central Hospital inaugurated its first dedicated, fully equipped Paediatric Intensive Care Unit

    Source

    “NAMIBIA on Monday inaugurated its first dedicated, fully equipped Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in the public health sector at Windhoek Central Hospital, in a N$28 million investment aimed at cutting child mortality.”

    Namibia’s N$28 million Paediatric Intensive Care Unit boosts child healthcare

  11. The Namibian

    Windhoek Central Hospital received disbursement of N$3.2 million paid to 16 staff on full-time study leave

    Source

    “According to the report, N$ 4.7 million was paid to 24 staff members attached to Katutura Intermediate Hospital who were on full-time study leave, while N$3.2 million was disbursed under similar circumstances to 16 staff members at Windhoek Central Hospital.”

    Doctor paid N$415 000 while on unauthorised leave

  12. The Namibian

    Windhoek Central Hospital has new paediatric ICU with expanded capacity and advanced equipment

    Source

    “The new facility has expanded capacity, dedicated isolation units, advanced oxygen-flow systems, cardiac monitors and modern ventilators.”

    First public child ICU to cut death rates
Society

Health officials warn against dismissing mental health struggles

The News

Health officials in Kavango West have cautioned the public against telling people experiencing mental health difficulties to "just pray about it," warning that stigma and fear of judgment discourage professional help-seeking. A social worker urged families and communities to listen without judgment and take mental health concerns seriously rather than dismissing them as overthinking or a lack of faith.

15 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 15 October

  1. Health officials warn against dismissing mental health struggles

    Health officials in Kavango West have cautioned the public against telling people experiencing mental health difficulties to "just pray about it," warning that stigma and fear of judgment discourage professional help-seeking. A social worker urged families and communities to listen without judgment and take mental health concerns seriously rather than dismissing them as overthinking or a lack of faith.

    15 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 13 October

  1. Windhoek Central Hospital cardiologist resigns amid bullying investigation

    Paediatric cardiologist Dr Fenny Shidhika has resigned from the Ministry of Health and Social Services following a ministerial investigation into alleged bullying at the hospital's cardiac unit. A ministerial investigation found that at least 10 medical officers have left the cardiac unit since 2019, with some accusing Shidhika of bullying, verbal abuse, and poor working conditions.

    13 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 12 October

  1. New district and above hospitals must include mental health units

    Namibia's health minister announced that no new public or private hospital at district level or above will be permitted without a dedicated mental health unit, as part of six national commitments to improve mental healthcare access. The requirement mandates that hospitals incorporate fit-for-purpose mental health units meeting standards for dignity, accessibility, privacy and patient safety.

    12 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia's suicide rate exceeds African average at 18 per 100,000

    Namibia recorded 18 suicide deaths per 100,000 people in 2024/25, surpassing the African regional average of 11. Vice President Lucia Witbooi called for urgent action to strengthen mental health services, improve access to care, and reduce stigma that prevents people from seeking help.

    12 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Health ministry pledges palliative care expansion amid capacity gaps

    The ministry of health and social services has committed to strengthening support for patients with serious illnesses through improved pain management, treatment referrals, and psychological and nutritional support as Namibia seeks to expand palliative care access. However, Windhoek Central Hospital currently lacks a formal palliative care department and is pursuing a phased approach to building specialist capacity.

    12 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Windhoek Observer on competence standards and institutional accountability

    An opinion piece examines the disciplinary case against paediatric cardiologist Dr Fenni Shidhika at Windhoek Central Hospital, arguing that the allegations—including verbal abuse, intimidation, and bullying—raise broader questions about institutional dysfunction, competence standards, and whether Namibia's society is willing to address systemic problems in professional institutions.

    12 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  5. Editorial: Cardiac unit crisis reflects broader health system failures

    The turmoil at Windhoek Central Hospital's cardiac unit is described as a symptom of deeper problems affecting Namibia's public healthcare system.

    12 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Sunday 11 October

  1. Ministry plans five new mental health units by 2037

    Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services aims to establish at least five new mental health units countrywide by 31 March 2037 to improve access to care in underserved regions. The country currently has only two mental health institutions: Windhoek Central Hospital and Oshakati Intermediate Hospital.

    11 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 3 October

  1. Ministry emphasizes patient safety systems at healthcare commemoration

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services reaffirmed its commitment to safe, patient-centred healthcare during World Patient Safety Day 2026 at Windhoek Central Hospital, with officials highlighting tools such as the Patient Charter, quality standards, and complaint procedures to strengthen patient safety systems.

    3 October 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 2 October

  1. Heart disease remains world's leading cause of death

    Heart disease affects one in three people globally and one out of five eventually die prematurely, according to the World Health Organization. World Heart Day was commemorated at Windhoek Central Hospital with awareness sessions, patient celebrations, and a heart-shaped walk to raise awareness of the preventable disease.

    2 October 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 30 September

  1. Over 120 medical laboratory science students face deregistration

    More than 120 medical laboratory science students at the Namibia University of Science and Technology face academic disruption and possible deregistration due to limited work-integrated learning placements. The Namibia National Students Organisation met with Nust administration to resolve the issue, with some students already deregistered and others uncertain about their academic futures.

    30 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Katima Mulilo Hospital seeks intermediate status to reduce referrals

    Katima Mulilo District Hospital refers an average of 30 patients monthly to facilities outside the Zambezi region, with 372 referrals recorded between April 2024 and March 2025. The Health Ministry plans to upgrade the hospital to intermediate status through introducing specialised services, recruiting qualified professionals, and expanding infrastructure, including a newly commissioned Intensive Care Unit.

    30 September 2026 · New Era →

Monday 28 September

  1. MVA patients referred to private hospitals due to state facility limits

    Health minister Esperance Luvindao told parliament that State hospitals cannot always treat Motor Vehicle Accident Fund patients because of limited clinical expertise, theatre space, and intensive care beds. The MVA Fund, financed through a fuel levy, has invested in public health facilities for nearly two decades and continues working to strengthen public healthcare.

    28 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Namibia opens first public pediatric intensive care unit

    Namibia inaugurated a N$28 million Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Windhoek Central Hospital, its first dedicated facility in the public health sector. The Health Minister said the unit is critical to achieving targets under the Sixth National Development Plan to reduce neonatal and under-five mortality rates by 2030.

    28 September 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 27 September

  1. Ministry overpaid staff on study leave N$8 million, audit finds

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services paid over N$8 million in fixed overtime to 40 staff members on full-time study leave, according to an auditor general report. A medical doctor alone received N$415 000 in salary and benefits while on unauthorised leave from February to July 2024, with no documentation showing staff were seconded to perform overtime duties.

    27 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Health Ministry to announce medical intern agreement in October

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services will announce an employment and placement agreement for medical interns in the first week of October, following lengthy discussions among parties involved. Minister Luvindao cited financial resources and service demand as determinants of absorption capacity and noted the ministry is coordinating with learning institutions to align student intake with demand.

    27 September 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 23 September

  1. Namibia opens first dedicated public paediatric ICU

    Health minister Esperance Luvindao inaugurated Namibia's first dedicated public paediatric intensive care unit at Windhoek Central Hospital, part of a government investment of about N$28 million in medical equipment and infrastructure. The ministry aims to reduce paediatric ICU deaths from the previous 14.5% rate to below 2.5%.

    23 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 21 September

  1. Health ministry promotes non-punitive reporting culture for safety

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has called for a "no name, no blame, no shame" culture to encourage health workers to report mistakes and patient-safety incidents without fear, rather than hiding errors. The ministry emphasizes that patient safety requires learning from incidents, not blame, and is a national responsibility supported by the Constitution.

    21 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 16 September

  1. Health workers warn medication errors risk patient safety

    Health practitioners from the ministry of health and social services have raised concerns over medication errors from misdiagnosis, incorrect prescriptions, and poor communication between healthcare workers and patients, warning such mistakes can compromise the safety of people receiving treatment for chronic conditions. The warning comes ahead of World Patient Safety Day, which Namibia will commemorate at Windhoek Central Hospital.

    16 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 14 September

  1. Namibia acquires first public MRI machine after 36 years

    The government inaugurated its first Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine at Windhoek Central Hospital, ending over three decades of reliance on private facilities. The government spent N$80 million on private MRI referrals for over 4,000 patients in the past five years and expects to save about N$16 million annually with the public facility.

    14 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Friday 11 September

  1. President inaugurates Namibia's first state-owned MRI machine

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah inaugurated Namibia's first state-owned Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine at Windhoek Central Hospital, hailing it as a milestone toward equitable healthcare access regardless of socio-economic background.

    11 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Government inaugurates first public-sector MRI machine in Windhoek

    Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services commissioned the first government-owned Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine at Windhoek Central Hospital, with Health Minister Esperance Luvindao calling it a historic milestone that brings state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging to the public sector, which serves 85 percent of the population. The facility aligns with the Ministry's five-year strategic plan and universal health coverage policy.

    11 September 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Government opens first public MRI facility after N$80m on private referrals

    The government has spent over N$80 million over five years referring more than 4,000 state patients to private facilities for MRI scans. President Nandi-Ndaitwah inaugurated the country's first government-owned MRI facility at Windhoek Central Hospital, with the government having invested N$49.8 million in the machine and infrastructure.

    11 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 10 September

  1. State House intruder declared president's patient, detained indefinitely

    A Windhoek man found naked in State House in April has been ordered detained in a mental hospital or correctional facility with mental services pending a presidential decision on his release. A psychiatric evaluation concluded he is not fit to stand trial and cannot be held accountable for his actions.

    10 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 1 September

  1. Bank Windhoek donates N$4 million to cancer association

    Bank Windhoek's Cancer Apple Project handed over N$4 million to the Cancer Association of Namibia following its 2026 fundraising drive to support children with cancer. The funds will support the association's Children Fighting Cancer in Namibia programme, which assists young patients and their families.

    1 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 24 August

  1. High Court orders medical release recommendation for paralysed inmate

    A High Court judge has ordered the medical officer of Windhoek Correctional Facility to recommend the release of inmate Khamastar Ndukireepo (49), who became paralysed while serving a 20-year murder sentence. The judge found the medical officer's earlier refusal to recommend release on medical grounds conflicted with constitutional protections of fundamental rights and human dignity.

    24 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 20 August

  1. Namibia reports 11 489 mental health admissions in 2024/25

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services reported 11 489 people admitted for mental health treatment during the 2024/25 financial year, with 91 544 total mental health cases and 123 deaths. Chief health programme officer Magdalena Didalelwa attributed the burden to stigma, discrimination, family distress, and social ills, and called for stronger multi-sectoral collaboration in schools to improve early identification and support.

    20 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia recorded 91 544 mental health cases in 2024/25

    Namibia recorded 91 544 new mental health cases during the 2024/25 financial year, with 11 489 patients admitted for treatment and 123 deaths. Chief health programme officer Magdalena Didalelwa noted that stigma, limited awareness, and undiagnosed cases mean statistics represent only a fraction of the actual mental health burden.

    20 August 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 19 August

  1. National Council backs mental health bill with funding concerns

    National Council parliamentarians have welcomed Namibia's new mental health bill but warn that the legislation could fail without adequate government infrastructure, staff and funding. The bill seeks to repeal the 1973 Mental Health Act and introduce a modern, rights-based framework promoting community-based care, early intervention and protection of patients' rights.

    19 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. MPs warn Mental Health Bill needs resources, rural access

    Members of Parliament have backed Namibia's proposed Mental Health Bill 2025 but warned that its reforms could fail without adequate funding, specialised staff, infrastructure, and services reaching rural communities. MPs called for mental health units at regional hospitals and trained staff at district facilities, citing that services remain concentrated in Windhoek while regions struggle to access specialised care.

    19 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Windhoek Central Hospital — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute