馃嚦馃嚘NamibiaSouthern Africa
Ohangwena and Kunene regions face critical medicine shortages
via The Namibian6 min read
The governors of the Ohangwena and Kunene regions have voiced concerns over persistent medicine shortages at public health facilities. Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua stated that hospitals in Opuwo, Khorixas, and across the Kunene region have been experiencing low medication stock for approximately three months. This has led to patients waiting in long queues only to find their required medication unavailable. Muharukua highlighted particular concern for shortages of medication for chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, ARVs, and tuberculosis. He noted that some patients are advised to purchase medication from private pharmacies if they can afford it, and regional health authorities are using budgets to procure critical medicines from private pharmacies, which is costly. Muharukua appealed for patience from both patients and health workers, acknowledging the government recognizes the problem and urging the public not to direct frustrations at healthcare workers. Ohangwena governor Kadiva Hamutumwa personally observed the lack of medication during a visit to Engela District Hospital, expressing sadness at sending people home without necessary treatment. She mentioned community reports of adverse effects due to changes in high blood pressure medication and plans to investigate the situation further in Ohangwena. In contrast, Erongo governor Nathalia /Goagoses reported no severe medicine shortages in her region, noting recent expansions in health services. Oshana
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
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