The Ministry of Health and Social Services wants to ensure a long-term solution to the shortage of medical supplies at government central medical stores.

The ministry will also prioritize infrastructure development and the provision of general services.

The ministry is allocated a budget of N$9.6 billion for the 2023/2024 financial year.

Dr. Kalumbi Shangula said Namibia experienced subdued levels of service this year, owing to a lack of long-term contracts for the procurement and supply of pharmaceuticals.

The ministry, he says, is working tirelessly to change the status quo.

He is, however, satisfied with the level of public health provision in the areas of HIV/Aids, TB and Malaria as well as COVID-19 saying the country has performed remarkably well.

The minister, however, complained about some homeowners refusing Malaria spray teams entry to their premises.

Dr. Shangula further warned that COVID-19 remains a health threat and urged citizens to go for vaccination.

At the same time, Dr. Shangulas expressed the ministry's resolve in building new health facilities and upgrading existing ones, in a quest to improve health provision across the country.

Of the N$9.3 billion budget allocation, close to N$300 million is earmarked for the capital budget.