Allexer Namundjembo
The ministry of health and social services has gazetted two new sets of regulations under the Health Professions Act of 2024, establishing procedures for serving official documents on registered health professionals and setting out requirements for authorising health practitioners to work in government employment.
The regulations were published in Government Gazette No. 8960 on 26 June 2026 and were signed by health minister Esperance Luvindao.
The first regulation outlines how notices, subpoenas, and other official documents issued by the Health Professions Council of Namibia or its registrar must be served on registered practitioners.
“A notice, subpoena or document issued by the Council or registrar to a registered person may be served in any of the following manners, by leaving a copy of the notice, subpoena or document at the place of residence or place of business of the registered person with a person who is apparently not less than 16 years of age.”
The Gazette further stated that documents may be served “by delivering a copy of the notice, subpoena or document to a person who is duly authorised in writing to accept service on behalf of the registered person.”
It also indicated that documents may be served through several methods, including delivery to a practitioner’s residence or business, handing them to an authorised representative, sending them via email to the practitioner’s last known email address, or transmitting them by SMS to their registered mobile number.
The Gazette indicated that each method of service becomes legally effective once the prescribed conditions are met.
The second regulation establishes the conditions and requirements for authorising individuals to practise health professions while employed by the state.
Applicants seeking authorisation must submit their applications to the minister through the executive director using the prescribed form.
Applicants must also provide certified copies of employment permits, academic transcripts, proof of internship where applicable, an evaluation of qualifications by the Namibia Qualifications Authority, and any additional supporting documents required by the minister.
Applicants previously registered with a professional body outside Namibia must submit a certificate of status indicating the duration of registration and, where applicable, reasons for the termination of such registration.
The minister, after consulting the Health Professions Council of Namibia, may grant written authorisation for practitioners to work in state employment. Once approved, the Council shall record the authorisation in its official register.
The minister may also transfer authorised practitioners between state health facilities, provided at least 21 days’
written notice is given.
Practitioners may submit written representations within five days if they object to such transfers, after which the minister must respond within 10 days.
The authorisation remains valid for the period specified, and practitioners with pending or approved registration applications may not simultaneously apply for state employment authorisation.
The Government Gazette also includes the prescribed application form to be used by applicants seeking authorisation to practise in state employment under the new regulations.
