President Hage Geingob on Thursday inaugurated the University of Namibia (UNAM)’s Health Science Training Centre valued at N.dollars 340 million.
Inaugurating the centre at Unam’s medical campus in the capital, Geingob said healthcare remains a key priority for the government to ensure the achievements of the national development plans and strategies toward the long-term aspirations of Vision 2030.
He said the government aims to reach a high standard of professional health service delivery in public health institutions that will help reduce the current gap between private and public health institutions, hence the government continues to allocate 46 per cent of the national budget to the social sector.
“Without adequate facilities and expertise to address health issues, all our ambitions would become meaningless. Healthcare, therefore, remains a key priority for the government. We remain committed to the constant improvement of Namibia’s Healthcare infrastructure,” he said.
Geingob said the medical campus is an important investment in the country’s health sector, noting that since the outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic, UNAM has been collaborating with the Ministry of Health and Social Services, offering assistance in terms of additional healthcare workers, COVID-19 testing and championing funding for vaccination campaigns, personal protective equipment and oxygenators through international partnerships.
“We commend these sterling efforts and are pleased by the fact that our institutions of higher learning are developing the expertise and know-how in order to assist the government in fighting current and future pandemics. The Namibian House will always be as strong as the health of its citizens,” he noted.
He equally noted that healthcare services are important and the government will continue to invest in research and development, as well as promote innovation and technology, adding that institutions of higher education, the private sector and development partners should work together to safeguard the health and well-being of all Namibian citizens, as well as those of neighbouring countries.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
