The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has labelled recent statements about the state of affairs at Engela District Hospital by Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) lawmaker Hidipo Hamata as ‘sensational and irresponsible.’

This follows claims by Hamata that the Engela hospital was facing a lot of challenges including an inadequate mortuary, and cabinets, a lack of sewage system, broken down laundry services and malfunctioning generators.

Hamata, who made the claims in a media release on Tuesday after his familiarisation visit to the hospital on 06 January 2023, further said that doctors often perform surgery by using their cell phones as flashlights.

In response on Tuesday, MoHSS Executive Director Ben Nangombe said the claims are not based on facts and that Hamata did not debrief the hospital management after his visit to be provided with facts.

Nangombe in a media release said the ministry however “acknowledges that the health sector is facing challenges but these challenges are being addressed on an ongoing basis and good progress is being made.”

The ED said there has been no instance where doctors use torches to operate in the theatre as the hospital has two standby power generators, with one being fully operational while the other is undergoing maintenance.

He further disputed the notion that patients use dirty linen due to malfunctioning laundry machines.

The hospital, he went on to say is in the process of procuring a sewage pump and arrangements are in place with Helao Nafidi Town Council to ensure that sewage generated at the hospital is disposed of safely.

At the morgue, the ministry confirmed that of the 15 cabinets only three are blocked, while there is another fully functioning morgue which accommodates up to 20 remains.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency