Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibia Nurses Union (NANU) Secretary General, Junias Shilunga, says the growing number of private health training institutions contributes to poorly trained healthcare workers and compromises the quality of healthcare in the country. Shilunga made these remarks in an interview with Windhoek Observer, responding to criticisms of private nursing schools from members of parliament.  These institutions, he said, are more focused on profit-making than improving Namibia’s healthcare system. The National Assembly is preparing to debate a motion on the regulation of the increasing number of nursing schools and other health training institutions.  This comes as last week, Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Winnie Moongo tabled a motion to address the issue, warning that the rapid rise of health-related training institutions is causing significant problems within the system.  Moongo argued that the growth of these institutions might seem to increase access to education, but it has revealed deeper issues impacting hospitals, clinics, and health facilities across the country. Shilunga echoed Moongo’s concerns, noting that the union has raised these issues with authorities many times without any resolution.  He condemned the closure of public health training centres, which once trained nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare workers. He argued that these centres were essential for the health sector and properly regulated. Shilunga also questioned the quality and qualifications of lecturers at these private institutions.  “One may ask, who trained these tutors at those institutions, what qualifications do they hold, and are they truly qualified to teach and train competent healthcare workers?” He asked. Another issue, according to Shilunga, is the duplication of tasks among educational regulatory bodies such as the Health Professional Council of Namibia (HPCNA) and the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA).  Both institutions have mandates to approve and regulate health training institutions, which has created confusion.  He highlighted that the HPCNA may approve some institutions, but the NQA may not accredit them.  This discrepancy, he said, along with the influx of students, has overwhelmed hospitals, placing additional pressure on nurses who must train these students while also caring for patients. PDM parliamentarian Rosa Mbinge-Tjeundo also supported Moongo’s motion.  She had noted that the expansion of health training institutions has not been matched by stronger regulatory oversight or consistent enforcement of standards by health authorities.  Data from 2024 shows that 4,655 students are enrolled across the seven institutions registered with the council.

Swapo has been struggling to deal with pressing bread-and-butter issues, such as housing, unemployment and eradicating poverty, analysts say as the party celebrated its 65th anniversary this weekend. Political commentator Erika Thomas says these issues, the provision of quality healthcare, and water scarcity continues to haunt the party. “As much as we appreciate Swapo for liberating us, mass housing unfortunately has caused mixed feelings among the public, as the housing shortage remains a problem 35 years later,” she says. She asks if education is really free when parents are still required to pay school fees. Thomas says despite ongoing interventions, the government has fallen behind in realising its national development plans. Swapo has failed in achieving its promises, she says. Sakaria Johannes says Swapo has done a poor job, compared to how it performed as a liberation movement. “In terms of mass housing, unemployment and equality it has failed,” he says. He says Swapo inherited apartheid laws which have kept it from addressing issues such as land, thereby making it hard to deliver on land promises. Johannes did, however, say progress has been made in the education and health sectors, as well as road infrastructure. Meanwhile, Swapo Party Youth League secretary Ephraim Nekongo yesterday said: “As we look to the future, we recognise the need for continued improvement in several areas.” He said the party aims to create more opportunities for youth participation in governance and decision-making processes. He said one of Swapo’s proudest moments has been successfully leading the nation to independence – a historic victory that laid the foundation for democracy and nation-building. Nekongo said despite shortcomings, the party has made remarkable strides in various sectors, such as education. “Our investments in primary, secondary, and tertiary education have empowered many Namibians,” he said. The expansion of healthcare services, he noted, has improved life expectancy and reduced child mortality rates. Initiatives to combat HIV-AIDS and enhance maternal healthcare services have also made a profound impact, he said. Investment in infrastructure projects has further improved living standards and stimulated economic growth in rural and urban areas. Nekongo said the party has championed policies that promote gender equality and the empowerment of marginalised communities, striving to ensure all Namibians have a voice and opportunity. Nekongo said the party has worked hard to diversify the economy, encouraging investment in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy, which are crucial for sustainable development. He said the party wants to address unemployment through skills development and entrepreneurship programmes, which will be a priority. Swapo has set a budget target of N$85 billion in its five-year term to address various issues contained in its manifesto. In terms of sustainable development, Nekongo said the party prioritises environmental sustainability. In a statement issued on Saturday, Swapo president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the party’s work is far from complete. She urged the party to remain vigilant and steadfast in preserving itself as a vehicle for social transformation. “As we stand united, let us harness the spirit of hope and trust that we have built over the past 65 years, and further strengthen our bonds as we face the future with certainty,” she said. The post 65 years on: Swapo has failed to deal with poverty – analysts appeared first on The Namibian.

Govt Hospitals - ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯವಾಗಿ ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ಆಸ್ಪತ್ರೆಗಳು ಅಂದಾಕ್ಷಣ ಹಲವರಿಗೆ ಒಂದು ರೀತಿಯ ಹಿಂಜರಿಕೆ. ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ಹಲವಾರು ಕಾರಣಗಳಿರಬಹುದು. ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಯ ವರ್ತನೆ, ಆಸ್ಪತ್ರೆಯ ನೈರ್ಮಲ್ಯದ