The Directorate of Health and Social Services in the Zambezi Region has highlighted the need to reduce the number of patient referrals to hospitals outside the region.

The Chairperson of the Otjozondjupa Regional Council, Marlene Mbakera, has called for the construction of a referral hospital in Otjiwarongo. 
 
Mbakera was speaking during the National Planning Commission's visit to the Otjozondjupa Region.

The Swapo Party Youth League has called on the government to start with the construction of a referral hospital in the northern regions to alleviate the growing congestion of patients at the Central and Katutura State hospitals.