The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) will continue to implement different methods to improve the health sector across the country.

The Executive Director of the Ministry, Ben Nangombe, gave a detailed report on the ministry's activities at various health facilities at a media conference in Windhoek.

The activities include renovations at various hospitals and clinics and the procurement of pharmaceuticals, clinical supplies, and medical equipment.

Nineteen projects have so far been completed, which include the renovation of Katutura Hospital's Emergency Care Unit, Keetmanshoop Hospital's ICU, the construction of the Oshikulufitu clinic, and staff accommodation.

15 clinics were constructed and completed, including those at Mariental, Aranos, and staff accommodation at Oranjemund.

Four projects have been delayed, including the Swakopmund District Hospital and Onandjokwe Hospital.

There are 12 ongoing projects and six clinics still under construction.

45 minor renovations are to be carried out at various health facilities.

"We believe that we are making good progress; we believe that the Namibian public health system works, that it is robust, and that it is effective regardless of the challenges that we have. I will not subscribe to anybody classifying the Namibian health sector as if it were in crisis."

The Ministry has also submitted a N$16 billion five-year plan to the government to improve the public health sector.

"We have gone and really sat down with our colleagues from all parts of the country to have their input into this document. The initiative will be implemented over a period of five years and cost about N$16 billion. The document has been submitted to the government for consideration, and we are waiting for the outcome of that consideration."

Nangombe further says that although COVID-19 has delayed the implementation of Quality Standard Assurance at all health facilities, they continue to monitor and improve the healthcare system.

Health services have also been brought closer to the community, and people no longer need to travel long distances to acquire health services.

"I don't know if many of our health facilities meet those conditions, and that is what we want to change. If anybody were to come and inspect our health facilities, they should be able to say these facilities meet quality standards. It is of course true that many of these things would have been done, but we lost two good years due to COVID-19."

The Ministry will issue a detailed report on 636 procurement activities carried out between April last year and March this year.