Health crisis unfolds at Okahandja State Hospital
Urgent call for ministerial intervention
Healthcare at the Okahandja State Hospital has reached an alarming low, prompting an urgent call for intervention from the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
Following an overwhelming flood of community complaints, videos, and calls highlighting deteriorating conditions at the hospital, a fact-finding visit was undertaken on 29 July 2025 by Deputy Mayor of Okahandja, Akser Aupindi, accompanied by Municipal Councillor Charl Coetzee.
The visit revealed a troubling picture of a public health facility on the brink of collapse, crippled by chronic understaffing, severe neglect and critical shortages, according to Aupindi.
The most pressing concern remains the dire shortage of medical professionals, particularly doctors and registered nurses. The hospital currently operates with only seven doctors, despite receiving daily referrals from surrounding clinics, including Nau-Aib, Otjozondu and Ovitoto.
Dire need
According to staff, at least eight more doctors are needed to meet patient demands. Historically, the hospital was assigned 12 medical interns annually, but this year only two interns were posted.
Compounding the crisis, the hospital has just one ambulance and one driver, while 16 registered nurses are urgently needed to stabilise operations and provide adequate care.
Neglect extends far beyond the medical staff. At Nau-Aib Clinic, no cleaners are employed, and nurses are required to rotate cleaning duties throughout the week.
District-wide, only nine cleaners are currently employed, far short of the 21 required. The situation is equally grim for general labour: Otjozondu Clinic has just one labourer, though seven are needed, and Ovitoto Clinic is operating with only one cleaner, one driver and zero admin. Nau-Aib has neither, and just one admin.
Major shortages
The mortuary can accommodate only six bodies, forcing staff to place deceased persons on the floor when it reaches capacity. Basic furniture is lacking, with staff resorting to using school chairs in offices.
Essential supplies such as pens, electrical adapters, stamps and toilet paper are absent, according to Aupindi. Critical infrastructure is broken; patient toilets, operating theatres, pharmacy and rehabilitation doors and lighting systems are all non-functional. Even basic cleaning equipment like mops is unavailable, making it nearly impossible to maintain hygiene standards.
“Why must our people be punished by a system that was meant to care for them?” Aupindi asked.
In response to the growing public outcry, Walters Kamaya, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Social Services, confirmed that interviews for Medical Officers were conducted on 30 July 2025, and two doctors will be appointed to serve at Okahandja.
He added that interviews for Registered Nurses are scheduled for Monday, with two nurses expected to be deployed to the hospital as agreed. Kamaya expressed hope that the necessary funding for these critical positions will be made available to ensure the appointments can proceed without delay.
Urgent action required
A plea has now been made for the Minister of Health and Social Services to personally visit Okahandja State Hospital. “We must change the status quo. Time is running out. Let us bring back the smiles of those seeking help at our healthcare facilities,” Aupindi urged.