Windhoek Central Hospital’s efficiency hindered by challenges

A shortage of equipment, limited space, insufficient staff, and inadequate funds are among the factors continuing to hamper the efficiency and effectiveness of services at the Windhoek Central Hospital.

This came to light during an inspection visit by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Social Development, and Family Affairs at the hospital. The dilapidated state of healthcare facilities has been an ongoing concern in the country.

The Windhoek Central Hospital is no exception to this general deterioration of services, as the facility has been without lights in some wards, broken pipes, insufficient space to accommodate patients, faulty machines, and a lack of equipment, posing a challenge to infection control, especially for the pediatric ICU. Another area is the oncology or cancer ward, which has reached a capacity of 36 patients, while the current number of patients stands at 70.

This has led to patients being accommodated in corridors. This, the nurses say, is an urgent call for another hospital and to expand services nationwide as many patients travel to the city for therapy and other treatments. 

“The nurses have to treat the patients on mattresses and bend over, which is uncomfortable, and privacy for the patients, as you can see, is compromised, and that is our fundamental ethical measure we want to have in place at all times.”

Patients at the hospital aired their complaints about unappetizing food, unhygienic conditions, and a lack of communication between nurses and patients. Juanita Falkenberg from Kamanjab traveled to Windhoek for surgery.

“I am happy with the surgery, but there are some hiccups that need to be sorted out, and perhaps services can be brought closer to all regions so that we don’t have to travel long distances for health services like I did.”

During the inspection visit, members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Social Development, and Family Affairs raised their concerns.

The health officials pointed to issues of limited funds, shortages of staff, and lengthy procurement processes as impedements.