IPC MP Lilani Brinkman questioned the Minister of Health and Social Services, Esperance Luvindao, on investigations into the deaths of a woman and her newborn at Lüderitz State Hospital on 17 October, amid allegations of negligence and communication failures.
Dr. Luvindao also sought clarity for support services available to the bereaved family.
She explained that the Ministry treats every maternal and neonatal death as a serious incident requiring immediate investigation.
"In the Lüderitz case, the incident was reported within 24 hours, followed by investigations involving the senior medical officer, a multidisciplinary inquiry team, the Standing Hospital Committee, and a regional mortality meeting."
The reviews examined clinical care, triage, adherence to guidelines, staffing and facility readiness, and identifying delays in seeking care, reaching the facility, and receiving appropriate interventions.
The Ministry provided the bereaved family with social workers, bereavement counselling, and spiritual care at no cost.
The senior medical officer also met with the family, alongside relevant officials and police, to explain the investigation and legal procedures.
Dr. Luvindao stated that the family consented to the transfer of the deceased for an autopsy, with the results processed in accordance with applicable guidelines and laws.
She said investigations and clinical reviews have been concluded, with the recommendations aimed at strengthening accountability and preventing similar incidents.
Maternal and neonatal death reviews and reporting to the Minister and President will take place annually instead of every three years as of 2027.
“The Ministry maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards negligence while ensuring a fair process for healthcare workers. When negligent or substandard care is suspected and subsequently established, we ensure that healthcare workers are held accountable, even if the public does not always agree with the disciplinary hearings involving staff members or others. Where healthcare workers have violated any regulations or failed to meet the required standards of procedure or conduct, they must be held accountable, especially when a life has been lost.”