Prostate cancer awareness sessions held by Free Press of Namibia managing director

Onandjokwe Hospital suspends elective surgeries due to anaesthetic shortage

Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital has suspended all elective surgical procedures due to a critical shortage of anaesthetic agents required for general anaesthesia. A leaked internal letter, dated April 13 and signed by specialist anaesthetist Dr Loini Shivolo-Hamutu, indicated that the hospital is experiencing a lack of critical hypnotic anaesthetic agents, with similar supply issues affecting the Central Medical Stores. The suspension is a temporary measure to prioritize the limited available supplies for emergency cases. Independent Patriots for Change member of parliament Lilani Brinkman has announced she will question health and social services minister Esperance Luvindao on April 23 regarding the shortages, their causes, and the ministry's plans for replenishment and supply chain management. Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda also addressed the National Assembly, highlighting that the suspension of elective procedures is already in effect and emphasizing the critical nature of the shortage for life-saving interventions. The health ministry has not yet commented on the situation.