Namibia's National Assembly approves new mental health amendment bill
via The Namibian1 min read
Namibia's National Assembly has adopted the mental health amendment bill of 2025, which now moves to the National Council for consideration. This legislation aims to modernize mental healthcare services, protect patients, and address the country's mental health challenges. Key provisions include criminalizing patient abuse, expanding community-based care, regulating patient restraint and seclusion, and emphasizing suicide prevention. The bill, tabled by minister of health and social services Esperance Luvindao, will replace the Mental Health Act of 1973. Luvindao stated that the new law provides a foundation for her ministry to accelerate implementation, including building facilities and managing mental health at the primary healthcare level. The legislation also allows the Ministry of Health and Social Services to designate private institutions as mental health facilities, broadens service delivery options, and introduces stricter penalties for healthcare workers found guilty of abuse or neglect, with fines up to N$100,000, imprisonment up to two years, or both. Additionally, it mandates medical aid schemes to offer broader coverage for mental health conditions and includes special provisions for offenders and inmates with mental health conditions, prioritizing their treatment and rehabilitation.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Nedbank Namibia will host its second Future of Business Conference later this month, bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and industry experts. Nedbank spokesperson Selma Kaulinge stated that micro, small, and medium enterprises MSMEs are central to Namibia's economy, serving as key drivers of innovation, employment, and sustainable growth. The conference aims to provide entrepreneurs with insights, practical knowledge, and networking opportunities to help expand their businesses in a changing economic environment. The program will feature presentations from figures such as OL Group chief executive Sven Thieme, Cirrus Capital economist Ida Williams, and Nedbank Group chief marketing officer Khensani Nobanda. Future Media director Stefan Hugo noted that the conference seeks to connect businesses and contribute to long-term economic growth, emphasizing its role as an enabler for the MSME community and a driver of job creation in Namibia.
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