Rundu Intermediate Hospital suspends elective surgeries due to anaesthetic drug shortages
via The Namibian4 min read
Rundu Intermediate Hospital has suspended all elective surgeries, becoming the second state hospital in two days to halt non-urgent procedures. This decision stems from a critical shortage of anaesthetic drugs required for general anaesthesia, as indicated in a leaked internal letter dated April 14. The letter, signed by specialist anaesthesiologist and head of department Dr Singatiya Chikumbanje, informed surgical heads of department, senior medical officers, and nurse managers about the situation. The suspension is effective until further notice, aiming to preserve the remaining drug stock for emergency cases. The shortage is also linked to supply constraints at Central Medical Stores. This development follows a similar suspension reported at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital. The Ministry of Health and Social Services has not yet commented on the leaked letter from Rundu.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Namibia exported N$148 billion US$9.13 billion worth of mining and energy-related products to South Africa between January and May 2026, securing a trade surplus of over N$76 billion. During the same period, South Africa exported N$71.95 billion US$4.44 billion in similar products to Namibia, resulting in a N$76.05 billion US$4.69 billion surplus for Namibia in this sector. Precious metals continue to be Namibia's largest export category, with N$347.44 billion exported to South Africa in 2025. Other significant mining exports in 2025 included iron and steel products at N$8.96 billion, mineral products at N$6.63 billion, and chemicals at N$434.35 million. In 2025, Namibia's total mining and energy-related exports to South Africa reached N$368.57 billion, compared to South Africa's N$69.03 billion US$4.26 billion in exports to Namibia. South Africa's main mining and energy exports to Namibia were chemicals N$149.03 billion, iron and steel products N$83.08 billion, mineral products N$69.02 billion, and precious metals N$1.23 billion. While Namibia maintained a substantial trade surplus, its mining and energy exports to South Africa moderated by 19.6% annually between January and May 2026, falling from N$368.57 billion in 2025 to N$148.00 billion. Conversely, South Africa's mining and energy exports to Namibia increased by an annualised 4.25%, from N$69.03 billion in 2025 to N$71.95 billion in the first five months of 2026. Despite this moderation, mining and energy products rema
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah officially sent off Team Namibia to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, during a flag handover ceremony at State House on July 15, 2026. This marks Namibia's eighth participation in the Games, which will take place from July 23 to August 2, 2026. The President commended the Namibia National Olympic Committee, coaches, and the entire team for their commitment to sports development and qualification. She also acknowledged the support from administrators, families, and others. President Nandi-Ndaitwah encouraged the athletes to represent Namibia with pride, integrity, humility, respect, and sportsmanship, emphasizing their role as both athletes and ambassadors. She highlighted the government's commitment to sports as a key priority, with investments in upgrading sports infrastructure across all 14 regions to empower young people and promote national development. The President expressed her best wishes to Team Namibia, urging them to inspire the next generation and carry the national flag with dignity.
The Namibian government is considering stronger laws and enforcement to address the increasing issue of copper cable theft. Information and communication technology minister Emma Theofelus stated that a meeting has been held with stakeholders to discuss solutions. Her remarks were made during Telecom Namibia's quarterly meeting with its board of directors, following an incident of copper cable theft that disrupted fixed voice and internet services in parts of Windhoek's Dorado Valley. Telecom Namibia reported that the theft damaged its infrastructure, impacting customers on several streets. The company urges the public to report suspicious activities near its infrastructure. Copper cable theft is a growing challenge for the telecommunications sector, with Telecom Namibia having invested over N$700 million to modernize its network and planning to deploy more than 500 new base stations by 2027. The meeting also addressed Telecom Namibia's leadership transition after the resignation of three executives, with the board assuring Theofelus of efforts to maintain stability. Theofelus emphasized the ministry's support, recognizing Telecom Namibia's role as the country's telecommunications infrastructure backbone. Board members, appointed for a five-year term, signed performance agreements with Theofelus to enhance accountability and ensure strategic objectives are met.