The Ministry of Health and Social Services has officially inaugurated the newly renovated radiology and pathology units at St Mary's Hospital in Rehoboth.

The N$3,93 million project is expected to improve access to diagnostic services for more than 53,000 residents in the Rehoboth district.

The upgraded facilities form part of the government's efforts to modernise healthcare infrastructure and strengthen diagnostic services in the Hardap Region.

Minister of Health and Social Services Dr. Esperance Luvindao explained.

"These modern radiology laboratory units we are all here to inaugurate represent the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring that every single person has access to quality healthcare; it doesn't matter where they are in the country. It doesn't matter what language they speak. It doesn't matter which corner of the country they come from, but that every single Namibian has access to quality healthcare. This particular event signifies the power of us working together."

She said the facility marks the completion of the third phase of the hospital's redevelopment programme.

The transition to digital radiography is also expected to improve diagnostic accuracy and allow specialists in Windhoek to review images remotely.

The Namibia Institute of Pathology's Acting Chief Executive Officer, Vincent !Nowaseb highlighted that the upgraded laboratory is about more than a renovated building.

“Our upgraded basic advanced laboratory information system now feeds into a web-based doctor's portal so that a clinician anywhere in the region can retrieve a sight of a result from the laboratory on a smart tablet device without waiting for a printed paper slip. Eighteen facilities across the region now hold these tablets in their hands; 14 of them, including this hospital, are fully live on the portal. In our line of work, that kind of speed can be the difference between life or death. That same urgency runs through how we move specimens, not just results.”

Hardap Governor Riaan McNab described the project as an investment that will reduce unnecessary referrals while improving patient care across the region.

"These renovated facilities represent improved efficiency and reflect our shared commitment to ensuring early access to quality healthcare closer to home. Radiology and pathology services are the backbone of modern medicine."

The Catholic Church, which has partnered with government in managing the hospital for decades, welcomed the continued investment in healthcare services.

Deacon Adolf Kinda expressed his appreciation.

"Health is a shared responsibility. The church cannot do it alone. Government cannot do it alone. That is why the Roman Catholic Church and government are partnering on this noble service of health."

Dr. Luvindao stated that work at St Mary's Hospital will continue, with future phases set to modernise the outpatient, administration, kitchen and laundry facilities as part of the hospital's long-term redevelopment programme.