Dr Kalumbi Shangula

Shangula warns of critical shortages of professionals in hospitals

Shangula warns of critical shortages of professionals in hospitals

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibia’s health sector is grappling with a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, despite the government's efforts to fill vacant positions. This was raised by the Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, during his address at the National Health and Social Services Conference this week. “When I visit hospitals, the main concern is the shortage of critical professionals. Although most vacant posts are filled, the need for extra manpower remains,” he said. Shangula called for urgent measures to resolve the staff shortage issues, which he said are affecting the delivery of essential services in hospitals across…
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Namibia hosts quality management conference to elevate healthcare provision standards

Namibia hosts quality management conference to elevate healthcare provision standards

Niël Terblanché In a significant stride towards enhancing healthcare delivery, the Ministry of Health and Social Services convened the first-ever healthcare Quality Management Conference in Windhoek on Wednesday. The conference, which is presented under the "Beyond the Blueprint: Transforming Policy into Quality Practice" is a substantial step in the country’s effort to align healthcare services with internationally recognised standards. The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, set the tone for the conference by stressing the ministry's unwavering commitment to continuous improvement in healthcare. "Our vision is clear – to be the leading provider of healthcare and social…
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Shangula emphasizes patient safety at all healthcare facilities

Shangula emphasizes patient safety at all healthcare facilities

Stefanus Nashama Dr Kalumbi Shangula, the Minister of Health and Social Services, emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of every patient and visitor in both public and private healthcare sectors. Speaking during World Patient Safety Day, celebrated under the theme “Engaging patients for patient safety,” Shangula said that the Ministry is dedicated to guaranteeing that all patients in Namibia receive care of the highest quality, free from harm. Although there have been instances where members of the public raised concerns about the quality of healthcare services, Shangula assured that the Ministry is devoted to fostering a safe environment. “Every…
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Suicide is a major public health concern: Shangula

Suicide is a major public health concern: Shangula

Stefanus Nashama Minister of Health and Social Service, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, noted that suicide has become a major public health concern and that urgent action is vital to prevent a further increase in the trend in Namibia “Mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are associated with an increased risk of suicide,” he said. Shangula was speaking at the commemoration of the 2023 World Suicide Prevention Day in Windhoek yesterday. The Minister said the prevention of suicide has not been actively addressed due to a lack of awareness, which is shockingly a major public health concern across the…
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Mental Health Bill to reach Parliament soon: Shangula

Mental Health Bill to reach Parliament soon: Shangula

Stefanus Nashama Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, revealed that the Ministry has initiated the drafting of the Mental Health Bill seeking to address the issue of suicide, depression and psychosis cases in the country. According to the Minister, the current legislation dealing with matters related to mental health is outdated. “It is for this reason that the Ministry initiated the drafting of the Mental Health Bill, with input from national consultations, experts and practitioners,” he noted. Shangula made these remarks while speaking at the inauguration of the Mental Health Board for Oshakati Intermediate Hospital for the…
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New Typhoid outbreak in Windhoek….three cases detected

New Typhoid outbreak in Windhoek….three cases detected

Tujoromajo Kasuto NAMIBIA appears to be prone to disease outbreaks in informal settlements. In recent years, the country has seen outbreaks such as the Hepatitis E plague, Covid 19, malaria and most recently another occurrence of Typhoid fever. At a press conference today, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, Minister of Health and Social Services, confirmed three Typhoid Fever cases in the Goreangab residential area in Windhoek, while he also announced the end of the country's Hepatitis E outbreak. Both Hepatitis E and Typhoid are bacterial diseases and thrive in unhygienic conditions. The Ministry confirmed a case of Typhoid Fever in the Windhoek…
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Health Ministry focuses on quality services

Health Ministry focuses on quality services

Tujoromajo Kasuto Efforts to improve the quality of health care services provided by the Ministry of Health started as early as 1993, shortly after the country gained independence in 1990. The Minister of Health and Social Service, Dr Kalumbi Shangula said today at the launch of the National Quality Management Policy, the National Quality Management Strategic Plan, the Hospital Quality Standards, and the Primary Facilities Quality Standards that the improvement of the quality of services has remained a top priority for the ministry ever since. “The Government of the Republic of Namibia, through its various policies, has prioritized access to,…
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Eighteen Omicron cases detected in Namibia

Eighteen Omicron cases detected in Namibia

Eba Kandovazu HEALTH and Social Services Minister, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, has announced that 18 people have tested positive for the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron. Dr Shangula says the variant was detected after the genomic sequencing of samples, adding that 18 are out of total of 19 samples which were tested, with one testing positive for COVID-19 Delta variant through PCR. President Hage Geingob at the 37th COVID-19 today briefed the nation on the state of the COVID-19 pandemic. Shangula says Government will be forced to take stringent measures on 15 December, if cases continue to rise and people are misbehaving.…
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Govt spends over N$200m annually on ARVs procurement

Govt spends over N$200m annually on ARVs procurement

Tujoromajo Kasuto The Government has invested and spent a significant amounts of resources to combat the scourge of HIV/AIDS in the country. In terms of procuring anti-retroviral medicines alone, Government spends in excess of N$200 million every year. These investments have produced the required results as witnessed in the reduction in the number of deaths in Namibia due to HIV/AIDS complications, says Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula. He spoke today at the 2021 World Aids Day Commemoration in Outjo, in the Kunene region. “It is indeed pleasing that Namibia today proudly stands as one of the…
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Namibia already has preventative measures in place – Shangula

Namibia already has preventative measures in place – Shangula

Eba Kandovazu MINISTER of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, says Namibia already has preventative measures in place. The Minister says this in view of reports in other countries, especially the neighbouring countries of Botswana and Namibia of the resurgence of Coivid-19 new variant described as “worst” than hitherto heralding the fourth wave. “Travelers have requirements. These measures are still in existence. We will see whether they are sufficient. If we need to bring in other measures then we will consider that and we will inform the public accordingly,” he says. Meanwhile Shangula, has applauded the decision by England…
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