Stefanus Nashama
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) lawmaker, Elma Dienda on Wednesday submitted a notice to question health and social services minister, Kalumbi Shangula, about the official policy regarding mobile phone use by healthcare workers in hospitals.
This follows a memorandum issued to staff at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital restricting mobile phone use during working hours.
The policy has sparked debate, with some questioning its necessity and whether it applies to all healthcare facilities.
Dienda acknowledged the restriction but questioned its limited application.
“While this is a commendable restriction, other healthcare facilities in Namibia must also implement the same restriction,” she said.
She also questioned why the policy applied only to Oshakati Intermediate Hospital and not to all hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centres.
“Why does this restriction only apply to the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital and not uniformly across all hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centres in Namibia?” Dienda asked.
She is also seeking clarification on the specific concerns or incidents that led to the enforcement of this rule at only one hospital.
Dienda also wants the ministry to explain how it ensures fairness and consistency in implementing such rules across the entire healthcare sector.
The minister is expected to respond to Dienda’s queries during a parliament session next Thursday.
Public opinion on mobile phone use by healthcare workers is divided.
Some argue it affects patient care, while others see it as necessary for medical assistance.
Philemon Iitana, a concerned member of the public, criticised healthcare workers for using their phones while on duty.
“Sometimes, a patient comes to the hospital in critical condition, but you would see nurses on their phones instead of attending to the patient on time,” he noted.
He suggested unannounced visits by health officials to monitor compliance.
A student nurse, speaking anonymously, defended phone use, saying medical staff often rely on phones for quick access to medical information.
“I am sure you would not find a nurse or doctor on Facebook or WhatsApp while there are patients seeking service,” stated the student.
An employee at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, also speaking anonymously, said using phones for non-work-related purposes in front of patients is a violation of the health code of conduct.
“That conduct has become negligent to the patient and that worker has violated the health code of conduct,” said the worker.
The employee explained that the memorandum reinforced existing ministry regulations.
“These are principles gazetted by the ministry to ensure healthcare workers do not step out of the law. The Oshakati just made an extra effort to emphasise what has already been there,” stressed the worker.
They added that phones are now essential tools for healthcare workers.
“We are literally moving. Nowadays a phone becomes your calculator, translator and instrument to quickly search for medical information,” the employee reiterated.
