Health Ministry welcomes private doctors to ease pressure on public health facilities

Health Minister, Dr.  Esperance Luvindao

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr.  Esperance Luvindao, has announced that 11 private-sector doctors have volunteered to provide pro bono evening care at Katutura Health Centre. Starting this week, the doctors will work from 17:00 to 23:00 to help reduce long patient wait times and alleviate strain on public health staff.

Katutura Health Centre, one of Windhoek’s busiest facilities, has faced continuous overcrowding due to limited staffing and growing patient numbers. 

Dr. Luvindao has acknowledged a critical shortage of health workers, admitting recently that the ministry is operating at only 50% of its required capacity. Although the Cabinet approved over 11,700 new positions, budget constraints have limited funds to just 434 new posts, totaling N$150 million of the N$4.6 billion needed.