Omusati in health crisis – MPs

Staff shortages, ageing infrastructure, broken equipment, poor roads and shortages of essential medicines are just some harbingers pointing to an Omusati healthcare system under severe strain.

This is deduced from a recent visit by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Health and Social Welfare to the region.

The committee has since raised concerns over growing pressure on healthcare services in the Omusati region.

Concerns emerged during the committee’s oversight mission to health facilities across the region, where members assessed challenges affecting healthcare delivery and the working conditions faced by health workers.

Senior Medical Officer at St Martin’s Hospital, Dr Samuel Awe, told the committee that the Oshikuku Health District is experiencing increasing pressure due to rising demand for healthcare services.

Awe highlighted poor road infrastructure as one of the major barriers affecting access to healthcare, saying some clinics become difficult to reach during certain periods.