Windhoek: The Namibia Medical Society's (NMS) executive board chairperson, Dr. Johannes Shilongo, has raised concern over limited doctor representation in the Health Ministry's policy and decision-making structures and called for greater involvement in key decisions affecting healthcare. Shilongo spoke at the society's annual scientific conference and Annual General Meeting held in Rundu over the weekend from 03 September to 06 September 2026.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Dr. Shilongo emphasized that while doctors are sometimes consulted on policies, it is crucial for their perspectives to be directly represented in the decision-making rooms during policy implementation. He highlighted that doctors, being at the frontline of healthcare, have firsthand experience in critical decisions regarding patient admission, treatment, and discharge, and this practical knowledge should inform policy to ensure it is inclusive and reflective of the realities faced by patients and healthcare workers.
NMS pointed out the challenges faced by health facilities and healthcare workers, such as inadequate resources, long waiting times, shortages of specialized services, and difficulties in accessing specialist care. They stressed the need for healthcare workers to have the necessary tools, resources, and supportive working conditions to deliver expected services effectively.
Dr. Shilongo also expressed concerns about specialist training and human resources, questioning whether Namibia's training institutions are producing enough specialists. He called for greater investment in training and capacity-building to examine how specialists are trained, retained, and integrated into the healthcare system.
Additionally, Dr. Shilongo highlighted issues related to medicines and patient care, emphasizing the importance of patients receiving proper information about their medication and advocating for continuity in healthcare rather than fragmented services. The medical society called for improved coordination between different levels of the health system to prevent unnecessary delays for patients transitioning between facilities.
In response, Health and Social Services Minister Dr. Esperance Luvindao, through a statement read by Deputy Minister Susan Ndjaleka, welcomed the Ministry of Health and Social Services' 2025-2029 strategic plan. The plan aims to transform the health system by reducing medicine shortages, improving supply chains, strengthening preventative healthcare, and increasing accountability across all levels of the system.