President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has commended residents for volunteering their time to clean the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, describing the initiative as a demonstration of patriotism, community responsibility, and nation-building.

She made the remarks during a courtesy visit there to appreciate the cleaning campaign and visited a few units at the hospital to assess healthcare service delivery at that referral hospital.

The President praised residents and those who took part in the cleaning campaign for responding to the call by Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge.

She said the volunteers' efforts have helped create a cleaner and healthier environment for patients, contributing to faster healing and improved healthcare services.

Dr Nandi-Ndaitwah underscored that volunteerism has long been part of Namibia's culture, enabling communities to develop themselves through collective action.

“I really want to thank the Governor, he initiated this to contribute to the health of our people, and you responded positively by joining in the initiative of keeping the hospital clean. If his initiative was ignored, the whole plan was going to be a failure. I really thank you for volunteering your time, effort, and energy.”

Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that in the past, volunteerism played a vital role in agricultural production, allowing many households to produce sufficient food and become self-sufficient.

The Head of State said she had closely followed the cleaning campaign and was impressed by the dedication, discipline, and seriousness displayed by the volunteers.

Addressing the issue of unemployment, President Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged that Namibia continues to face a high unemployment rate.

“Our government is trying its best to see how we can help our people out of unemployment, but this cannot be done in one day, so if your fellow Namibian is offered a job opportunity, appreciate it because one day she or he might support you financially when you cross paths.”

The President concluded the visit with a tour to the hospital's private unit, the Intensive Care Unit, and the dialysis unit.

Oshakati Intermediate Hospital's Acting Medical Superintendent is Dr Ndawapeka Nhinda, had this to say.

“She gave us words of encouragement despite all these challenges that are happening. Let us keep pushing; there is a plan for the betterment of the health of the Namibian people.”