THE URGENT NEED TO REVIVE THE HEALTH COUNCIL IN NAMIBIA TO SAFEGUARD AND PROTECT PATIENTS

Namibia’s healthcare system, like many in developing countries, faces significant challenges. From limited resources and understaffed hospitals to delays in medical attention and medical malpractice, the country’s healthcare sector struggles to meet the needs of its growing population. While Namibia does have a Health Council, the institution's impact has been far less than expected. It is time to revive the Namibia Health Professions Council (NHPC) to strengthen oversight, improve patient care, and safeguard the well-being of citizens across the country.


Challenges Facing Namibia’s Healthcare System

Namibia’s healthcare system has faced numerous challenges, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Limited access to medical professionals, overcrowded hospitals, and delays in medical treatment have had serious consequences for many patients. For example, a significant number of maternal and child deaths in Namibia can be attributed to delayed access to healthcare. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Namibia’s maternal mortality rate stood at 215 deaths per 100,000 live births in recent years—an indicator that requires immediate attention.

The situation is no less dire for children, where delayed medical interventions can lead to unnecessary deaths. In 2019, Namibia’s infant mortality rate was 35 deaths per 1,000 live births, with many fatalities attributed to conditions such as pneumonia, malnutrition, and preventable infectious diseases. In such cases, delayed medical care or a lack of timely intervention can significantly reduce survival chances.

However, beyond the statistics, there are serious concerns regarding the conditions within public healthcare facilities. Public hospitals in Namibia are often overcrowded, underfunded, and lack the necessary resources to provide adequate care. Many hospitals are plagued by chronic shortages of medical supplies, basic equipment, and even essential medications. Long waiting times for consultations and treatments are common, with patients sometimes having to wait for hours, if not days, for attention. 

The situation in emergency departments is particularly alarming. Emergency patients often face significant delays in being treated, sometimes due to a lack of space in emergency rooms or an insufficient number of medical professionals to respond promptly. These delays can lead to worsened conditions, unnecessary complications, or even death. The lack of staff is also a pervasive issue. Many health facilities, particularly in rural areas, are understaffed, which leads to overworked healthcare professionals, decreased quality of care, and a higher likelihood of errors or omissions in treatment. 

Critics have long pointed out that the public healthcare system is underfunded and often neglected by policymakers. The government’s focus on expanding coverage without simultaneously addressing these resource gaps has led to a situation where the system struggles to keep up with increasing demand. Despite efforts to decentralize health services and provide care in more remote areas, public health facilities continue to suffer from a lack of infrastructure, skilled personnel, and up-to-date technology. The reality is that many public hospitals are ill-equipped to handle complex medical cases, resulting in avoidable suffering for patients and a failure to provide the level of care needed.


The Role of a Revived Health Council

A revived Health Professions Council would play an essential role in transforming Namibia’s healthcare landscape. By regulating healthcare professionals, ensuring they are held accountable for their actions, and ensuring that medical standards are followed, the Health Council would become a pillar of public health in the country.

One of the first steps the Health Council could take is the regulation and monitoring of healthcare professionals. A regulatory body can ensure that medical staff meet the necessary qualifications and adhere to ethical practices, ultimately reducing the risk of malpractice and medical errors. In South Africa, for example, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has played a crucial role in investigating complaints, overseeing professional conduct, and ensuring the competence of healthcare professionals. A similar council in Namibia could oversee doctors, nurses, and other medical staff to ensure patients receive the quality care they deserve.


Addressing Delays in Medical Treatment and Surgical Care

Delayed medical care, particularly in emergency situations, is another major problem in Namibia’s healthcare system. Patients who experience trauma, complications during pregnancy, or severe illness may face long waits in overcrowded hospitals, with some even dying before receiving treatment. Surgical procedures, especially in rural regions, may also be delayed due to a lack of equipment or sufficient staff. These delays not only endanger lives but also result in prolonged suffering and increased medical costs for patients.

A revived Health Council could set clear standards for response times, hospital staffing, and resource allocation. It could establish protocols to address emergency care and surgical treatment, ensuring that patients in critical conditions receive timely attention. Through inspections, audits, and public reporting, the Health Council could also encourage hospitals to maintain high standards of operation and hold those responsible for any breaches accountable.


Improving Accountability and Public Trust

The lack of accountability in Namibia’s healthcare system has been a barrier to improving the quality of care. Medical malpractice, negligent behavior, and administrative inefficiencies often go unpunished, leaving patients without recourse for the harm they suffer. A Health Council would provide a platform for patients to file complaints, enabling them to report instances of poor care, negligence, or even abuse. Through transparent investigations, the Health Council could ensure that wrongdoers are held accountable and that justice is served.

Moreover, by establishing a public-facing body that oversees the healthcare system, the Health Council could help build greater public trust. When people feel that there is an institution dedicated to ensuring the quality of healthcare, they are more likely to seek medical help when needed, knowing that their concerns will be heard and addressed.


Empowering Patients and Strengthening the Healthcare Workforce

In addition to regulating healthcare professionals, the Health Council could help improve the country’s healthcare workforce by requiring ongoing training and certification. In partnership with universities, medical schools, and healthcare institutions, the Council could ensure that healthcare professionals stay up to date with the latest medical practices, treatment protocols, and ethical guidelines.

Furthermore, a revived Health Council could promote public education and awareness about patients' rights and health literacy. Many Namibians, particularly those in rural areas, lack awareness of their right to timely, quality care. Educational initiatives could empower patients to take an active role in their health, enabling them to navigate the healthcare system and advocate for better treatment.


The Time to Act Is Now

While Namibia does have a Health Council, its current limitations and inefficiencies highlight the urgent need for reform. By reviving and empowering the Health Professions Council, Namibia can address the critical gaps in its healthcare system, including inadequate public health facilities, staffing shortages, long treatment delays, and the lack of oversight. A reinvigorated council could provide accountability, improve the quality of care, and enhance public trust in the healthcare system. Namibia must act now to revive its Health Council, ensuring that every Namibian has access to timely, high-quality, and safe healthcare.


Gideon Kapuka is a researcher, writer and business consultant; gideonkapuka5@gmail.com

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