The Deputy Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture, Faustina Caley, says the release of more health professionals into the healthcare system is hoped to narrow the shortage of health workers in Namibia.
She was speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Alba Chipamba Training Centre (ACTC) at Rundu.
The ACTC hosted its second graduation ceremony, with at least 130 nursing students graduating from the centre.
During the graduation ceremony, Caley applauded the institution for offering nursing courses to meet the country's demand.
"There is generally a high workload pressure in maternity wards, and in rural areas, most rural facilities are understaffed with high workload pressure compared to urban areas. In Namibia, it is important to note that the country is moving towards universal coverage, where comprehensive health care should be provided to all levels of health delivery. For this programme to be effective, there is a need for adequate health care staff, including nurses, and the importance of training more nurses in this regard."
Caley also urged the graduates to uphold the ethics of nursing and to put the needs of their patients first.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the Governor of Kavango East Region, the Chairperson of Kavango East Regional Council, Damian Maghambayi, said despite the shortage of nurses, there is a need for more hospitals to be brought closer to the people.
"In addition, we expect to have more health facilities. Health facilities are a challenge in this region; therefore, I call upon the Ministry of Health and Social Services to review and relax its policies on the criteria for the construction of a new clinic. For example, the criteria for the construction of a new clinic demand a larger population of inhabitants and a longer distance to the nearest clinic, while forgetting that some inhabitants do not necessarily live in a larger number for purposes such as farming but are scattered in small units, hence they equally deserve a health care service as citizens of this country."
Maghambayi also congratulated the graduates, urging them to deliver as per their oath.