Martin Endjala
The diamond mining company Namdeb has put its private hospital in Oranjemund up for sale or is seeking to outsource its operations to service providers.
The company recently issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) notice to registered authorities, who will evaluate it and shortlist those who meet the criteria.
“Namdeb is seeking experienced and reputable healthcare service providers to express their interest in the sale or outsourcing of the Namdeb Private Hospital in Oranjemund,” read the notice seen by the Windhoek Observer.
Compulsory virtual information sessions were held on 12 November, with the submission deadline set for 20 November.
According to Namdeb’s corporate affairs manager, Grace Luvindao, Oranjemund’s designation as a local authority and the town’s opening in 2014 required a plan to transform the town from a diamond-dependent economy to one sustainable beyond mining.
“Namdeb and the Oranjemund Town Council (OTC), in collaboration with other town stakeholders, developed the Oranjemund Town transformation programme which included, amongst others, the transfer of the municipal services and town management to the OTC, and the normalisation of the education and healthcare sectors, and other economic diversification efforts,” she explained.
She added that the future operation and ownership of the Namdeb Private Hospital form part of the agreed-upon program to normalise the town and make it less dependent on Namdeb.
Luvindao stressed that quality healthcare is an important factor in attracting investment in Oranjemund, given its potential to contribute to the town’s economic diversification.
“To this end, Namdeb is investigating the options available to focus on its core business of mining whilst also enabling the development of healthcare into contributing to the economic diversification of the town,” she said.
Namdeb envisions that a hospital under new ownership or management could potentially enhance healthcare offerings for the town and the ||Karas region.
Additionally, the company believes that outsourcing the hospital could support the town’s economic diversification through services, such as specialized healthcare and centres focused on mental health and rehabilitation.
The company has promised to keep providing services until the successful handover is complete.
When asked about the potential impact on workers’ medical aid, Luvindao said Namdeb’s priority is to ensure workers’ well-being.
According to her, discussions are ongoing to ensure that any future service provider taking over the private hospital aligns with workers’ interests.
Luvindao also noted that the government clinic was upgraded in 2024 to improve public healthcare services.
She said Namdeb has provided property that the Ministry of Health & Social Services is converting into a public health centre, which is expected to significantly enhance public healthcare for the town and its surrounding communities.
Lizazi Munikonzo, the Mines Union Workers (MUN) branch chairman in Oranjemund, declined to comment, referring the publication to its branch secretary for information, Albert Akooko.
“As per our constitution, the responsible portfolio for information dissemination is the branch secretary for information and publicity,” he said.
When approached for comment, Akooko said he is not currently authorised to speak to the media on this matter but believes that the company is well-placed to inform the public.
