NDF Medical School receives a boost

The German Armed Forces Technical Advisory Group handed over medical school teaching facilities and a student accommodation unit for a vocational training centre to the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) at its Training Establishment in Okahandja.

Following a ground-breaking ceremony that was conducted in 2021, the school welcomed and witnessed the official handover ceremony of the two facilities.

Germany’s Ambassador to Namibia, Thorsten Hutter, said since the establishment of the school, NDF and GAFTAG have coordinated strategies to develop and broaden medical training in the Defence Force.

He further alluded to the fact that the bilateral cooperation the two countries are enjoying today has enabled both parties to succeed in major projects within the military spectrum.

”The handing over of this facility as well as of the third student accommodation unit is a major milestone in our bilateral cooperation. It will broaden the capabilities of the Namibia Defence Force, enabling the NDF to contribute to international missions in the framework of SADC or the AU or to assist nationally in disaster relief. I am sure that both NDF and GAFTAG are proud of their achievements today and ready to use this potential in the future.”

The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Frans Kapofi, represented by Wilhelmine Shivute, the Executive Director in the ministry, recognised the success of the just-ended project.

The expansion is in line with the 8th Equipment Aid Programme Agreement between the two countries.

”I would like to once again thank you, the officers of the German Armed Forces Technical Advisory Group, and everyone else for the successful implementation of this project. This success has led to the expansion of NDF’s capacity, as we are about to receive the medical school teaching facility and student accommodation. ”

In 2019, the school was transformed from a medical training wing to a NDF medical school, offering a two-year diploma course, Level 5, a higher certificate in environmental health, and a certificate in enrolled nursing.

With a competent team of medically qualified officers, the Commander of the Medical School, Colonel Lazarus Amukugo, is confident that the school will excel.