The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MHoSS) is working towards decentralising its services to lessen the burden of patient referrals.

Health Minister Esperance Luvindao said this during the handover of a brand new 54-seater patient bus to the ministry by Rossing Uranium Mine, valued at N$1.5 million. 

Dr. Luvindao highlighted that the ministry has, in the past three years, seen thousands of patient referrals in the Erongo Region.

"Specifically, the number of patients transferred from the four district hospitals (Swakopmund, Omaruru, Usakos and Karibib) to other referral hospitals on an annual basis stood at about 7,964 (about 664 patients per month) in 2022/2023; this was 7,818 (about 652) in 2023/2024, and this is 8,454 patients with an average number of about 705 patients per month in 2024/2025 so far. This is to highlight the fact that there is demand."

She noted the donation will significantly reduce transportation costs for the ministry.

"And as we continue to expand specialised services such as dialysis and neonatal intensive care, this donation becomes even more critical. It empowers us to extend our reach and to deliver healthcare that is accessible to all people."

The Managing Director of Rossing Uranium Mine, Johann Coetzee, said a functional healthcare system is a right for every human being and should not be a privilege for a few. 

"From Rössing's existing fleet, we are donating one 54-seater bus to the Ministry of Health and Social Services. To ensure smooth usage, Rössing Uranium also commits to carrying the cost for maintenance and scheduled services for this bus for the next two years."