The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR), Inge Zaamwani, has said any individual who wishes to practise must be duly registered with the Veterinary Council of Namibia.

Zaamwani was responding to Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) MP Michael Mulunga in Parliament, who asked why vets who obtained their qualifications through the World Organization of Animal Health are not accredited by the Namibia Veterinary Council.

The minister stated that in order to be eligible for registration, an applicant must hold a qualification that meets the minimum standards of veterinary training as prescribed in the regulations.

She says standards are designed to safeguard the integrity of the profession and to ensure the health and the welfare of both animals and the public.

"The council is empowered to conduct institutional audits of universities and colleges offering veterinary qualifications. Where an institution successfully meets the prescribed standards, each qualification may be accredited by the council. This accreditation allows graduates from such institutions to apply for registration without the need for further examination. However, in cases where a candidate holds a qualification from an institution not accredited by the council, as is the case in this particular issue, the ex-stipulator, the candidate, must undergo an examination determined by the council."

Zaamwani says upon successful completion of this examination, the candidate may then be registered to practise in Namibia.

This process ensures that all practitioners meet the required professional standards, regardless of where they obtain their qualifications.