The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Youth, Civic Relations, and Community Development has set in motion to engage and investigate how stakeholders and the government address the mushrooming of nursing schools and health training centres in the country.

The chairperson, Marlayn Mbakera, said the committee has convened a four-day structured dialogue to seek policies and review systems to control this concern.

Speaking at the opening in Otjiwarongo, Mbakera said the rapid increase in health training institutions is a serious concern and needs to be regulated for quality health care.

"The rapid increase in the number of health training institutions across the country has raised significant concerns regarding accreditation standards, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, institutional capacity and the overall alignment of training programmes with national health sector priorities. While the expansion of educational opportunities is welcomed, such growth must occur within the well-regulated framework that safeguards the quality of healthcare education and protects the public interest."

The health sector plays a critical role in national development; hence, Mbakera said all stakeholders must collectively work together to produce qualified, competent and ethical health professionals capable of meeting the country's healthcare demands.

"This week's discussions will focus on several critical issues, including the proliferation of health training institutions and the effectiveness of existing approval and accreditation processes, compliance with national standards and professional requirements, the alignment of health training programmes with Namibia's national health workforce needs, the readiness and capacity of institutions to produce competent health professionals, and coordination among regulatory authorities, training institutions and government agencies."

The discussion will also examine how health training contributes to achieving the national development priorities, with a particular focus on pillar 2.

Member of Parliament Winnie Moongo tabled the motion on the uncontrolled proliferation of nursing schools and health training centres in Namibia.

At the conclusion of the engagement meeting, the committee will compose a report with findings and recommendations for further discussions in the National Assembly.