Health Ministry paid N$1.28 million in litigation settlements
The ministry of Health and Social Services has paid N$1,3 million in compensation through six litigation settlements during the 2024/25 financial year, while outlining a broad plan to reduce medical negligence claims and protect public funds.
Responding to questions from IPC Member of Parliament Bonny Susiku in the National Assembly last week, Health Minister Esperance Luvindao said the ministry has a comprehensive report on damages and losses arising from litigation.
"The Ministry can confirm that a comprehensive report on damages and losses incurred during the 2024/2025 financial year due to litigation is available," she said.
"It should be noted that cases instituted against the State, through this Ministry, are generally classified under the following categories: Motor Vehicle Accidents, Labour and Industrial Relations, Medical Negligence, and General Breach of Contract."
"During the 2024/2025 financial year, the Ministry made compensatory payments totaling about N$1,286,051.90. These payments were made in respect of six settlements."
Luvindao said it was not possible to accurately estimate how much more the ministry could pay out in future litigation.
"Predicting future litigation payouts with precision is challenging. The number and nature of lawsuits can vary significantly from year to year, depending on various factors, including emerging healthcare trends, public awareness of rights, and unforeseen circumstances."
She said the ministry is focusing on preventing litigation by improving the quality of healthcare.
"The Ministry is committed to proactively addressing the root causes of litigation. By strengthening systems, improving clinical practices, and enhancing communication with patients, we aim to reduce the incidence of adverse events that can lead to legal action."
"The Ministry will continually monitor trends in litigation payouts and transparently report to Parliament any significant changes or concerning patterns. This proactive approach will help to ensure accountability and responsible financial management."
Luvindao said every complaint received at health facilities is recorded and investigated, with complainants able to escalate unresolved matters through the chain of command up to the minister.
She added that the ministry also relies on findings from the Health Professions Council of Namibia and implements corrective action where necessary.
She said the ministry has strengthened maternal and perinatal death reviews, launched new clinical and death audit guidelines, and continues rolling out the National Quality Policy and Strategy and Healthcare Facility Quality Standards to improve clinical governance, documentation and patient safety.
According to Luvindao, additional measures include clinical mentoring, improved post-operative care, better patient triage, strengthened referral and ambulance services, improved sourcing of medicines and equipment, workforce strengthening, and enhanced training in clinical documentation, informed consent and escalation procedures.
"Together these actions both improve patient safety and reduce avoidable payouts. Where systemic failures are identified, the Ministry implements corrective action plans and monitors implementation."
Luvindao said the ministry also plans to accelerate healthcare quality standards and facility accreditation, expand clinical reviews and staff mentorship, strengthen procurement of critical medicines and equipment, improve complaints management, and increase public awareness to reduce preventable complications.
She cautioned against drawing conclusions solely from media reports. "Not every media headline fully captures the clinical or investigatory nuance of a case. The MoHSS investigates all complaints and, where appropriate, independent bodies (HPCNA) and the courts determine liability."
"Families who lose loved ones or who suffer harm deserve answers, accountability, and improvement. The Ministry of Health and Social Services is committed to transparent reporting to parliament, to working with independent regulators and partners to reduce harm, and to invest in the systems that prevent avoidable losses, both human and financial,” she said.
