Minister of Health and Social Services, Esperance Luvindao, has announced that provisions are being made to accommodate parents and guardians whose children are hospitalised.

This was in response to the concern raised by Swapo Party MP Martha Itope that mothers and caregivers are often found sleeping on the floor of the Oshakati State Hospital while waiting for assistance.

Dr. Luvindao said that due to limited infrastructure, placing adult-sized beds in rooms where space is already constrained is often not feasible.

She said this needs to be addressed from a more preparatory perspective to ensure that when district hospitals and intermediate hospitals are designed, provision is made for lodgers in the space and design of the facilities.

"The maternity wards' waiting homes were constructed among other initiatives of the former First Lady Penexupifo Pohamba, as part of her noble campaign to increase access to skilled birth attendance for pregnant mothers who live far from facilities to stay in proximity to health facilities. To date, this initiative continues to receive the necessary support from stakeholders and local authorities, as well as ministries, offices and agencies."

She stated that her ministry, along with that of Urban and Rural Development, is actively engaging in discussions to finalise the official handover of a maternal waiting shelter in Outapi.

She added that the ministry is committed to strengthening the healthcare sector, recognising that lodgers in all facilities should have sufficient space and bedding, particularly when checking in or following up with patients.