Niël Terblanché
The healthcare sector has undergone a major shift with the established Health Professions Council of Namibia (HPCNA) which consolidated five different councils into one entity.
The transition follows on the heels of the enactment of the Health Professions Act of 2024.
The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, during the swearing-in of the new council members in Windhoek on Monday, described the development as a critical step towards strengthening oversight in the medical field.
“The new Health Professions Council of Namibia was established in terms of the provisions of the Health Professions Act, 2024. This new piece of legislation was passed by Parliament last year and was assented to by His Excellency, Dr Nangolo Mbumba, signing it into law on 13 December 2024,” he said.
According to Shangula, the reform is a departure from the previous system, which was governed by five separate acts covering social work, allied health professions, nursing, pharmacy, and medical and dental practice.
The minister explained that these fragmented structures had now been replaced by a single overarching council, bringing a new level of coordination to the regulation of healthcare professions in Namibia.
He said that under the new law, the HPCNA is tasked with ensuring that all healthcare practitioners are properly qualified and registered while maintaining professional standards across the sector.
The council will oversee the ethical conduct of medical practitioners, enforce regulations, and address complaints regarding professional misconduct.
Shangula commended the outgoing councils for their service that served the purpose until the introduction of the single council and the key role they played in the transition process.
“I take this opportunity to commend the members of outgoing councils for their exemplary dedication and service since their appointment on 5 October 2023. Your commitment, professionalism, and unwavering resolve have set a high standard worthy of emulating,” he said.
He added that the newly appointed members of the HPCNA have been entrusted with ensuring that Namibia’s healthcare system operates with integrity and efficiency.
“With this new council in place, Namibia is positioning itself to enhance the quality of healthcare services across the nation. Go out there and serve the nation to the best of your abilities. The task at hand is to regulate our health professions, ensuring that all practitioners are appropriately qualified, registered, and remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care,” he urged
He also urged the council members to approach their responsibilities with diligence and a sense of duty.
“I encourage you to approach your roles with seriousness and an unwavering commitment. Advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves, and remain steadfast in your pursuit of quality care. The decisions you make today will shape the landscape of healthcare for generations to come,” he said.
According to Shangula, the HPCNA will also play a role in advancing medical education and training while promoting access to healthcare services.
He added that its responsibilities will include investigating complaints, ensuring compliance with ethical standards, and fostering professional development within the sector.
Shangula acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence in the newly appointed members.
“The landscape of healthcare is ever-evolving. Advancements in medical science shifts in public health demands, and the persistent quest for equitable access to care will test our resilience and adaptability. While there are challenges, they are not insurmountable. With your expertise, commitment, and collaborative spirit, I believe we will not only meet and address them but overcome them,” he said.
He added that the new regulatory framework is expected to bring Namibia’s healthcare sector in line with evolving global standards while ensuring greater accountability in the profession.
