The Health and Social Services Minister Dr. Kalumbi Shangula opened the Oikokola Primary Health Care Clinic in Etayi Constituency in the Omusati Region. 

The clinic construction was funded by the government at the cost of N$ 17.9 million.

On Monday,  Dr. Shangula opened another primary health care clinic at Iipanda Yamiti in Oshikuku district.

Oikokola clinic which was opened on Wednesday in the same district is equipped with a pharmacy, five consulting rooms, delivery, and treatment rooms as well as rapid test and counseling rooms among others.

The clinic will have regular doctors' visits so that patients are not referred to Oshikuku district hospital all the time. 

He says primary health care is the foundation for a stronger health system.

"Oikokola Primary Health Care Clinic will alleviate the challenges faced by communities in terms of accessing health and social services. For example, community members will no longer travel long distances to seek health care services. I emphasize the fact that good health starts in our homes and our communities.“

Dr. Shangula says the government has taken a conscious and deliberate decision to expand health care to different parts of the country.

The Omusati Region now has four-district hospitals, six-health centers, 41 primary care clinics, and 142 outreach points.

All fixed healthcare facilities are provided with modern communication infrastructure to facilitate smooth communication.

"These facilities provided services and care to the more than 243 000 residents of Omusati, according to the 2011 population and housing census. They also serve patients from Angola. More than 65% of these facilities were built or established after the attainment of our freedom and independence.“

Oshikuku district has 17 clinics, nine of which were built after independence.

This is a clear testimony that the government is committed to providing health care services to its citizens.

Dr. Shangula called on Namibians to adopt a healthier lifestyle by avoiding excessive intake of salt, sugar, saturated fats, and alcohol.

People are encouraged to set up small-scale gardens in the backyard where they can grow vegetables for their own consumption.

Oikokola Clinic is surrounded by water during the rainy season and there is a need for an access road leading to that clinic.