The Ministry of Health and Social Services is in the process of implementing a track and trace barcoding system to monitor the movement of medicines from the point of central storage to the patients.

Esperance Luvindao, the Health Minister, made this announcement during her update on the warehousing and supply chain reform.

The trace barcoding systems would be extended to electronic dispensing tools as well in a bid to improve accuracy and efficiency in dispensing medications at health facilities. 

In addition, Dr. Luvindao said the Ministry has begun implementing both short- and long-term solutions to expand warehousing capacity under one secure, access-controlled facility.

This is due to the current warehousing infrastructure being fragmented and outdated, which the minister said poses a challenge in the distribution of essential medicines. 

"The fragmentation of storage across multiple locations in Windhoek and beyond has created serious inefficiencies and exposed the supply chain to increased risk related to stock management. including stock losses and transport vulnerabilities. This situation not only adds to the cost of our operations but also increases the risk of theft and spoilage."

Minister Luvindao argued, therefore, that the expansion of warehousing capacity under access-controlled facilities is meant to ensure quicker receipt and distribution of critical supplies to health facilities.

"By consolidating our warehousing operations, we can streamline our processes, reduce costs, and improve the security of our supply chain. This move aligns with the recommendations from the Inspector General's 2024 security assessment and directly supports the Ministry's broader strategy to modernise Namibia's public health supply chain infrastructure."

The Ministry is also working with law enforcement agencies for swift investigation and prosecution, as Dr. Luvindao warned that theft of medicine and other illegal activities would not go unpunished.