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Angola President João Manuel Lourenço officially opened the multimillion-dollar state-of-the-art Cunene General Hospital at Ondjiva.

The hospital replaces a previous hospital that was gutted by fire in 2020.

The event was celebrated by Angolan citizens and those of neighbouring countries who will use the health facility.

Construction of the hospital, with 200 beds, started in 2021 for 52 million euros.

The hospital brought haemodialysis to Cunene Province for the first time, and it is also equipped with paediatrics, obstetrics, ophthalmology, emergency unit equipment, computerised x-rays, oxygen facilities, endoscopy, theatres, and complete pathology services. 

Angola's Health Minister, Silvia Lutucuta, says it is now time for Namibia and Angola to strengthen their cooperation in providing healthcare to citizens.

"I think the next step is negotiations between both parties, not only with the government but also with the private sector, because we want to make this hospital a referral hospital in the region, and we have all these conditions; it is not only for the Angolan people, it is for Namibian people, and for the region's people."

The workforce has been strengthened by about 465, ranging from doctors to nurses, diagnostic and therapeutic technicians, hospital support technicians, regime technicians, and social workers. 

There are 104 doctors, 522 nurses, 347 diagnostic and therapeutic technicians, 130 technicians, and 32 general staff.

Namibia's Health and Social Services Minister, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, accompanied by some government officials and 30 doctors and specialists, shared the joy of the newly constructed hospital.

"We are about to conclude a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Health in Angola and the Ministry of Health in Namibia to consolidate a corporation, and we are also looking forward to the exchange in terms of training and also in terms of ensuring services that are not available in Angola can be in Namibia and vice versa."

Angolan citizens are happy to have health care services closer to them and thank the Namibian government for the support offered over the years.

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Tonateni Haimbodi