Namibia’s National Assembly recently resumed debate on the long-awaited Mental Health Bill, receiving full support from the entire house. 

However, several Members of Parliament (MPs) raised concerns about insufficient infrastructure to adequately house mental health patients.

Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) MP Lilian Lutuhezi highlighted the acute shortage of dedicated psychiatric facilities across the country. "Today, the only dedicated psychiatric hospital in Namibia is the Windhoek Central Hospital Psychiatric Ward, which has roughly 220 beds. In Oshakati, Ward 16 is constantly overcrowded, reportedly housing more than 200 patients in a ward designed for just 60. Most regions lack even basic psychiatric wards, let alone outpatient services or rehabilitative care," she said.

Swapo Party MP Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele echoed the concerns, pointing to the structural and systemic challenges the bill faces despite its promise. "Despite the promising advancements represented by this Mental Health Bill, we must confront the significant infrastructural and systemic challenges that prevail in Namibia," she stated.

Another Swapo Party MP, Lucia Iipumbu, shared insights from her visits to community care facilities. "I have visited some community facilities run by volunteers who assist in caring for individuals with mental health conditions. However, these facilities often lack basic amenities and are not fit for purpose," she said.

The Mental Health Bill of 2025 aims to repeal the outdated 1973 Mental Health Act and establish a modern, rights-based framework for mental healthcare in Namibia. The bill promotes decentralised and community-based mental health services, emphasising dignity, autonomy, equitable access to care, and oversight mechanisms to protect patients’ rights.