Also known as: WCH · Windhoek Central Hospital State mortuary
Windhoek Central Hospital — public hospital facing critical medicine shortages and surgical backlogs, involved in cataract campaigns and mental health care.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
Windhoek Central Hospital hospitalised the 7-year-old boy following the assault
“The boy (7), whose identity cannot be revealed due to his age, was hospitalised at the Windhoek Central Hospital following the assault.”
Windhoek Grade 1 pupil allegedly assaulted by classmate’s fatherNew Era
Windhoek Central Hospital was site of Dr Hafeni Undari's registrar training in orthopaedics
“My registrar training took place across Oshakati, Katutura and Windhoek Central hospitals, where I gained extensive experience in trauma, joint pathology and reconstructive surgery.”
On the spot with Loide Jason – Namibia’s first locally trained orthopaedic surgeon speaksInformanté
Windhoek Central Hospital received N$500,000 donation to its Oncology Department from O&L Group
“She spoke in Windhoek on Tuesday while accepting a N$500,000 donation to the Oncology Department at the Windhoek Central Hospital from the O&L Group of Companies, a day before the commemoration of International Cancer Day today.”
Three specialist oncologists are earmarked for the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital — LuvindaoThe Namibian
Windhoek Central Hospital is host to cancer donation acceptance event on 3 February 2026
“Windhoek Central Hospital. Tuesday, 3 February, 2026.”
Esperance Luvindao accepts cancer donation at Windhoek Central HospitalNew Era
Windhoek Central Hospital hosted orthopedic specialist training rotations for Dr Undari as part of COSECSA programme
“He completed his orthopaedic training through the COSECSA with rotations across Oshakati, Katutura and Windhoek Central hospitals.”
Namibia’s first locally-trained orthopedic surgeon … from humble beginnings to national assetThe Namibian
Windhoek Central Hospital has mental health unit with high stress, overwhelming patient numbers, severe resource lack
“The working conditions of nurses at the mental health unit of Windhoek Central Hospital are marked by high stress, an overwhelming number of patients, and a severe lack of resources.”
Hell on EarthThe Namibian
Windhoek Central Hospital experiences common aggressive and violent patient behaviour, inadequate staffing support
“Aggressive and violent behaviour from patients is common in the hospital, and nurses are reportedly three times more likely to experience such incidents while on duty.”
Hell on EarthThe Namibian
Windhoek Central Hospital admitted Cha'rissa van Wyk in May for chemotherapy treatment
“Cha'rissa, who is currently being home-schooled, was admitted at Windhoek Central Hospital last May, and has been in isolation for four months due to the type of chemotherapy she was receiving.”
Family battling childhood cancerThe Namibian
Windhoek Central Hospital had patients forced to sleep on the floor of corridors in October
“In October, several patients at the Windhoek Central Hospital were forced to sleep on the floor of the hospital's corridors.”
Reflecting on a year of health challengesThe Namibian
Windhoek Central Hospital diagnosed Sakeus Nghifikwa with schizophrenia after psychiatric evaluation
“The court was informed that Nghifikwa was diagnosed with schizophrenia after he had gone through a period of psychiatric evaluation at the psychiatry department of Windhoek Central Hospital in March and April this year.”
Killer found not guilty due to mental statePatric Gaingob was found guilty of murdering his wife, fellow teacher Merenta Gaingos, in a fatal knife attack in April 2019. The judge rejected his claims of automatism and amnesia, noting 12 stab wounds were recorded during post-mortem examination and finding direct intent to murder.
Teacher convicted of murdering wife in 2019 knife attack; judge rejects automatism and amnesia claims.
1 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Patric Gaingob was found guilty of murdering his wife, fellow teacher Merenta Gaingos, in a fatal knife attack in April 2019. The judge rejected his claims of automatism and amnesia, noting 12 stab wounds were recorded during post-mortem examination and finding direct intent to murder.
1 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The government proposes a public-private partnership with Rhino Park Private Hospital, where state surgeons would use the private facility's theatres during off-peak hours to operate on public patients and clear around 9,600 elective surgical backlogs at Katutura Intermediate and Windhoek Central hospitals. The arrangement aims to reduce the combined backlog by 30% within 12 months, despite concerns from medical doctors that the state's own 20 theatres in Windhoek are underutilised due to medication shortages.
20 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Medical specialists at public hospitals dispute health minister Esperance Luvindao's assertion that pharmaceutical stock levels have improved to 60%, saying critical shortages of essential medications continue to affect patient care across departments.
20 May 2026 · The Namibian →
A mother is seeking N$17 million in damages, alleging her four-year-old daughter was left blind, paralysed and brain-damaged following a tonsil and adenoid procedure at Windhoek Central Hospital in December 2024. The lawsuit claims medical negligence, including that surgery was performed by a general practitioner without the designated ENT specialist present and that complications including cardiac arrest were mismanaged; the health ministry disputes the allegations and says the ENT specialist was supervising.
20 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Shortages of essential chronic medications for hypertension, diabetes, and ophthalmology at Windhoek Central Hospital could result in suspension of surgeries and risk of permanent blindness. An ophthalmologist warns that the department lacks critical glaucoma and post-operative medications and cannot safely continue cataract operations without them.
12 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The family of Giano Seibeb, accused of trespassing at State House in Windhoek, is demanding to see closed-circuit television footage of the incident and wants answers on how he escaped Windhoek Central Hospital's mental health centre where he had been admitted. The incident led President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to suspend police inspector general Joseph Shikongo.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian Police is not disclosing whether suspended inspector general Joseph Shikongo retains his salary and benefits during suspension; Nampol referred media inquiries to the Presidency's statement, which does not address the conditions of Shikongo's suspension.
7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani has questioned a N$179 million quotation from August 26 Construction for a 400-kilometre border fence project along the Namibia-South Africa border aimed at containing foot-and-mouth disease, citing cost concerns and procurement issues.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
A 29-year-old Windhoek resident charged with trespassing, indecent exposure, and housebreaking after being found naked in a State House guest house has been ordered to undergo psychiatric observation to determine if he can understand court proceedings. He has a history of schizophrenia and escaped from a mental ward at Windhoek Central Hospital before the incident.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
A 29-year-old man accused of trespassing and housebreaking at State House must undergo mental evaluation to determine fitness to stand trial, though a legal expert notes mental illness does not automatically remove criminal responsibility. The accused was diagnosed with schizophrenia and had left a mental health facility without formal discharge.
6 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Giano Seibeb (29) appeared in Windhoek Magistrate's Court charged with trespassing, housebreaking with intent to commit an offence, and contravening the Immoral Practices Act after allegedly breaching State House security and entering the presidential residence naked on 30 April 2026. The court postponed the matter to 22 June 2026 for a mental evaluation; Seibeb, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, indicated he wishes to plead guilty.
5 May 2026 · Informanté →
Giano Seibeb (29) appeared in Windhoek Magistrate's Court facing charges of trespassing, housebreaking with intent, and contravening the Immoral Practices Act after breaching State House security on 30 April. The court heard he had escaped from the mental health ward at Windhoek Central Hospital where he was diagnosed with schizophrenia; the state requested postponement to 22 June 2026 for a mental evaluation.
5 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A Ministry of Health and Social Services survey of 2,949 Public Service Medical Aid Scheme beneficiaries found that nearly 60% choose private providers for shorter waiting times and specialist availability. Infrastructure and medical equipment emerged as the biggest barriers to improving confidence in public hospitals.
2 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Health and Social Services held a strategic meeting with over 50 clinical specialists from Windhoek's main public hospitals, led by Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao, to discuss service delivery improvements and patient care. The engagement focused on preparations for the upcoming financial year and provided a platform for healthcare professionals to share challenges and propose solutions, with a follow-up meeting planned for June 2026.
22 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 →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare rejected claims that public hospitals are creating special VIP units for government officials, saying the government's focus is improving healthcare for all Namibians. He highlighted seven major health facilities earmarked for upgrades and announced Vision April 2026, a programme requiring senior officials to use public hospitals to improve service quality nationwide.
16 April 2026 · New Era →
An Okahandja mother has spent the past 10 years caring for her son, who contracted TB meningitis at six months old and spent nearly two years at Katutura State Hospital, including one year in the ICU. Despite his progress in speech and development, Daniel continues to face severe health challenges and requires expensive specialized milk, nappies, and regular hospital treatment, which the family cannot fully afford on social grants alone.
15 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare dismissed claims that planned VIP wards at public hospitals would create a two-tier healthcare system, saying the government's objective is to upgrade public health services accessible to all Namibians and that the controversy has been "dramatised". Opposition lawmakers questioned whether the initiative contradicts government policy on equality, with some arguing it risks reinforcing inequality within public healthcare.
15 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Minister Veikko Nekundi presented the 2026/2027 budget allocation of N$592.972 million for the Department of Works to the National Assembly, with N$499 million for operational costs and N$93.972 million for capital investment. The budget addresses public infrastructure development, government asset management, and maintenance of state facilities across five programmes.
15 April 2026 · The Namibian →
A joint surgical campaign involving teams from Windhoek Central Hospital, Northern Vision Centre, and international volunteers from Germany and the United States is treating 500 patients with cataract operations across Kavango East and Zambezi regions, with operations running through Friday to restore sight to hundreds.
14 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Rusten !Gu-daob, 13, lost his left eye at age four after falling onto a stick while playing, and now risks total blindness after his remaining right eye began bleeding this year. His vision is severely impaired—he can only count fingers at three centimetres—and doctors suspect the removal of his left eye may have affected the right one; his teacher and community members have appealed for urgent medical intervention.
12 April 2026 · The Namibian →
The Institute for Public Policy Research has criticized the government's decision to bypass the Central Procurement Board on N$350 million in projects, arguing it creates risks of corruption and waste. The government has directly awarded contracts including a N$140-million sports stadium project to the Roads Contractor Company and other projects to August 26 without public tendering, a practice that lacks transparency and limits competition for local businesses.
12 April 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
President Nandi-Ndaitwah announced significant progress in healthcare delivery, including the full upgrading of seven major hospitals, direct procurement of medicines that has saved over N$221.5 million and increased medicine availability from 49% to 57%, and the recruitment of 3,471 healthcare workers. The government has also procured medical equipment including CT scan machines, ambulances, and specialized units such as ICUs and dialysis centers nationwide.
10 April 2026 · New Era →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered a State of the Nation Address highlighting Namibia's economic resilience despite global shocks, progress in oil and gas policy with Norwegian technical support, and achievements across sectors including mining (N$64.7 billion in exports), agriculture (N$2 billion in agricultural products), tourism, energy, and education, with GDP growth projected to rise from 1.7% in 2025 to 3.1% in 2026.
9 April 2026 · New Era →
Windhoek Central Hospital has placed a temporary moratorium on all food donations to patients while it develops a policy framework to regulate such contributions. The hospital said the pause will ensure donations are managed safely, equitably, and in a structured manner before accepting further gifts.
6 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi has ordered all occupants of the old tuberculosis hospital building in Windhoek to leave by 1 April, citing the building's unsuitability for occupation and illegal tenancy. The 25-room building houses both government and non-government employees, with tenants complaining that non-government occupants have damaged property, stolen materials, and sold illegal substances.
27 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has clarified that Phase 1 of "Vision April 2026", beginning 1 April 2026, applies only to 294 senior government officials and not to teachers, nurses, police, or general civil servants. The directive aims to strengthen public healthcare, with designated facilities across the country prepared through infrastructure upgrades and equipment procurement worth N$239 million.
14 March 2026 · Informanté →
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 →
Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services has abruptly suspended a tender process for building a N$194 million central medical store and is instead planning to lease and renovate part of the Ramatex Rhino Garments building at N$100,000 monthly, a pivot that the Global Fund (which approved the original construction plan) is reportedly discussing with the government.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →