Niël Terblanché
In another step toward improving healthcare services in Namibia, the Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, officially inaugurated the Ombili Clinic in Otjiwarongo on Wednesday.
The newly constructed clinic, built at a cost of N$6 million through the generous support of B2Gold Namibia, is set to provide essential health services to over 19 000 residents in underrepresented informal settlement communities such as Ombili, DRC, Telecom, and Xara-aibes.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dr Shangula highlighted the clinic’s crucial role in filling a long-standing gap in healthcare service delivery.
“For years, residents in these areas have relied on the Ombili Health Post, which offered limited services and forced many to travel long distances to Orwetoveni Clinic or Otjiwarongo District Hospital for primary healthcare needs. The inauguration of this clinic marks a transformative milestone in our quest to provide accessible and equitable healthcare services to all people in Namibia,” Shangula said.
He added that the new clinic will form one of the cornerstones of Namibia’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“It will offer a range of essential services, including immunization, antenatal and postnatal care, treatment for minor ailments, HIV and TB services, management of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, dental care, pharmaceutical services, and adolescent-friendly health services,” he said.
Shangula said that by providing these services locally, the clinic aims to reduce the disease burden in the Otjiwarongo District and alleviate pressure on larger, overextended healthcare facilities in the region.
“The clinic embodies the principles of accessibility and equity, which are fundamental to our commitment to UHC,” he said.
He added that the inauguration of the Ombili Clinic is a demonstration of the strength of public-private partnerships in advancing Namibia’s healthcare system.
B2Gold Namibia’s contribution extended beyond the construction of the clinic, with additional support for parking facilities, staff amenities, and essential equipment.
Shangula praised the company’s commitment, saying, “This clinic is a symbol of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors collaborate for a common purpose.”
Addressing the healthcare workers who will serve at the new clinic, Shangula stressed the importance of maintaining high standards of care and professionalism.
“You are the backbone of our healthcare system. The community relies on you to uphold the highest standards of care, and I am confident in your ability to deliver,” he said.
He also encouraged local residents to actively engage with the clinic’s services, noting that their participation is key to its success.
“This clinic is yours. Embrace it, protect it, and help it flourish,” he urged.
According to the minister, the inauguration of the Ombili Clinic not only represents an expansion of healthcare services in Namibia but also reaffirms the country’s dedication to health equity and quality service delivery.
Shangula also shared plans for further developments in Otjiwarongo, including a new regional hospital.
“The town’s strategic location makes it ideal for the establishment of a modern hospital,” he said while also reiterating the government’s long-term vision for healthcare infrastructure.
Adding to the significance of the inauguration, John Roos, B2Gold Namibia’s country manager, reflected on the company’s commitment to the community and its role in bringing this vital project to completion. He recalled the groundbreaking ceremony held on the 16th of April earlier this year at the very site where the clinic now stands, marking the beginning of a project that would exceed expectations by finishing two months ahead of schedule.
“Words spoken that day resonated with me – let’s not only celebrate the groundbreaking – let’s complete the project as soon as possible,” Roos said.
He added that the timely completion of the clinic now allows residents of Ombili and surrounding informal settlements to access modern healthcare services locally, a significant improvement for an area that previously lacked sufficient medical infrastructure.
Roos expressed B2Gold’s dedication to leaving a positive legacy in the communities in which it operates.
“We believe that we want to leave the area in which we extracted resources in a better state than what we found it. We also believe in keeping our promises. What you see here today with this clinic, and just around the corner at the Ombili school, is us, delivering on our promises,” Roos said.
He also pointed to the power of partnerships in making the project a reality, recognizing the collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Social Services, their contractor IMBR, and the B2Gold team.
“This partnership ensured the clinic was completed not only ahead of schedule but also to a high standard of quality, providing essential services to the community,” he said.
Roos noted that since 2015, the company has invested more than N$16 million in projects that form part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) health initiatives.
He said that the company’s dedication extended even further during the challenging times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Apart from playing a critical role in ensuring the delivery of much-needed oxygen to hospitals across the country, the company made a once-off donation of N$34 million to the Office of the Prime Minister, specifically earmarked to combat the impact of COVID-19 on Namibia. We also supported various initiatives in the Otjozondjupa region to combat COVID-19, amounting to approximately N$6 million,” he said.
Roos extended his appreciation to all those who contributed to the success of the Ombili Clinic project.
He singled out the Ministry of Health and Social Services for its role in ensuring the clinic was fully operational as soon as construction was completed.
He also praised the contractors for delivering a high-quality project within budget and ahead of schedule, and his B2Gold team for their tireless efforts in keeping the project aligned.
