New hospital for Katutura
As part of efforts to bring services closer to the people, the Ministry of Health broke ground on the Windhoek District Hospital in the Havana informal settlement last week, which was officially inaugurated by Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on behalf of President Nangolo Mbumba.The hospital, scheduled to be completed in 2027, will boast 500 beds and will help to relieve the burden on Katutura Hospital. Furthermore, it is intended to curb the population's need for healthcare, which, according to Health Minister Dr. Kalumbi Shangula leads to overcrowding and capacity shortages among medical staff.
In his keynote speech, the vice president said everyone must embrace the idea of a healthy nation. “A sick nation is an unproductive nation. An unproductive country remains underdeveloped and people will continue to live in poverty," Nandi-Ndaitwa said. She noted that as a leader, she remains committed to ensuring that health services are both efficient and effective.
Health Minister Shangula said at the ceremony that in addition to traditional wards, the hospital will also have a mental health ward, a frail care ward and staff accommodation and recovery facilities.
"The project will create employment opportunities, especially for young professionals and those in general support services," he said.