Namibia's health minister states N$18 billion needed for public healthcare over five years
via The Namibian3 min read
Esperance Luvindao, Namibia's Minister of Health and Social Services, informed the National Assembly that N$17 billion to N$18 billion is required over five years to effectively manage and upgrade the country's public healthcare system. This statement was made in response to a question from Popular Democratic Movement PDM president McHenry Venaani regarding public healthcare funding. The current annual health budget is approximately N$13.1 billion, with an adjusted allocation of about N$14.6 billion potentially allowing for some improvements in the current financial year. The increased funding would support key priorities, including upgrading existing facilities and constructing new intermediate and district hospitals. This discussion follows president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's directive for senior government officials, members of parliament, and public servants to use public healthcare facilities, effective April 1. Additionally, the government announced it would fully cover civil servants' Public Service Employee Medical Aid Scheme Psemas contributions, eliminating the previous 5% contribution.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
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