Swakopmund: Amid ongoing challenges, significant investments in health infrastructure, specialised medical services, and patient care have strengthened healthcare delivery in the Erongo Region over the past year. This was highlighted by Erongo Governor Nathalia /Goagoses during her State of the Region Address delivered in Swakopmund on Wednesday.
According to Namibia Press Agency, one of the region's major achievements was the inauguration of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Swakopmund District Hospital, costing N.dollars 27 million. The facility comprises 28 beds, including standard care, high-care, intensive care, and isolation units, as well as a 12-bed mothers' shelter. The facility has significantly improved neonatal healthcare services and reduced the need to transfer critically ill newborns to Windhoek for specialised treatment.
The Directorate of Health and Social Services continues to strengthen healthcare and the well-being of residents in the region. The government invested N.dollars 5 million in minor renovations at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay district hospitals, as well as clinics in Tamariskia, Coastal, DRC, and Mondesa. These upgrades were aimed at improving service delivery, patient safety, and working conditions for healthcare personnel.
Additionally, N.dollars 1 million was spent on renovating staff accommodation in Omaruru, Usakos, Walvis Bay, and Swakopmund to support the retention of healthcare professionals recruited through bilateral agreements. Dental healthcare services also received a boost through the expansion of the Walvis Bay Dental Clinic at a cost of N.dollars 1 million, enhancing both service delivery and training capacity.
The governor further announced the establishment of a mini oncology centre at Walvis Bay District Hospital through support from the Namibia Cancer Association and Langer Heinrich Mine. She also noted that the long-awaited Karibib Health Centre is progressing following ground-breaking activities, with funding provided by QKR Navachab Gold Mine. The region also intensified efforts to combat cancer through screening programmes, with a total of 3,122 clients screened for cervical, breast, and prostate cancers, representing 87 percent of the regional target.
Despite the progress, /Goagoses stressed that healthcare challenges persist, particularly in remote communities. She emphasised the need for the Directorate to improve rural healthcare facilities and ensure seamless healthcare services and the safety of healthcare personnel.