Windhoek: The Capricorn Foundation on Thursday donated three portable ultrasound probes valued at N.dollars 130,350 to the Ministry of Health and Social Services to support efforts to decentralise healthcare services and ease congestion at public health facilities. The equipment was officially handed over to Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Esperance Luvindao, and will be deployed at the Nathaniel Maxuilili Clinic in the Tobias Hainyeko Constituency in Windhoek.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the clinic serves an estimated 46,000 residents, while its referral facility, the Katutura Health Centre, attends to more than 20,000 patients per month. Neither facility has on-site diagnostic imaging services, resulting in patient referrals, delays in diagnosis, and increased pressure on regional hospitals.

Speaking at the handover, Luvindao demonstrated the portable ultrasound device, highlighting its ease of use and ability to function without an internet connection, making it suitable for primary healthcare settings and underserved communities. She said the equipment will enhance early detection of medical conditions, improve patient management, and help reduce waiting times at referral facilities.

Capricorn Foundation Executive Director, Marlize Horn, stated that the donation aligns with the foundation's commitment to improving access to healthcare across Namibia, particularly in communities where diagnostic services remain limited. Horn emphasized that supporting the ministry's efforts to decentralize diagnostic services is an investment in people, dignity, and community well-being.

Horn commended the ministry's decentralisation strategy as a critical step towards equitable healthcare delivery nationwide. She expressed pride in partnering with the ministry in its decentralization strategy to ensure that every Namibian, regardless of location, has access to timely and reliable healthcare.

The introduction of portable ultrasound technology is expected to strengthen primary healthcare services, improve patient flow, and support faster clinical decision-making at community health facilities.