Opinion
Public procurement is more than an administrative function. It is one of the most powerful instruments through which government delivers services, promotes econ
Opinions
2026-07-282026-07-28By Correspondent
Public procurement is more than an administrative function. It is one of the most powerful instruments through which government delivers services, promotes economic development and demonstrates accountability to its citizens. Nowhere is this responsibility more important than within Namibia’s health sector, where procurement decisions directly affect the availability of medicines, medical equipment and life-saving healthcare services.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services carries the enormous responsibility of ensuring that hospitals, clinics and healthcare facilities remain adequately supplied and operational. In fulfilling this mandate, the Ministry is legally permitted to use direct procurement under specific circumstances. Such circumstances include emergencies, situations where only one supplier exists, or cases where delays associated with competitive bidding could jeopardise service delivery.
