The Minister of Health and Social Services, Esperance Luvindao, has issued a directive that all public health facilities remain open and fully operational during official working hours, including lunch hour.

This move is part of the ministry's commitment to deliver uninterrupted and world-class healthcare services to all Namibians.

The uninterrupted services will see the implementation of a rotational lunch schedule for healthcare staff to ensure that patients are served throughout the day.

The minister, in a statement, stressed that heads and supervisors have been tasked to ensure compliance with this directive, and any failure to do so will be considered a dereliction of duty, possibly resulting in administrative action.

Minister Luvindao emphasised that healthcare services are vital to the public and it is crucial to maintain efficiency, compassion and professionalism at all times.

Public members who experience challenges with the implementation of these directives are encouraged to contact their regional health directors for immediate guidance and resolution.