Luvindao denies ambulance shortage caused deaths
Health and Social Services Minister Esperance Luvindao has rejected claims that the deaths of a heavily pregnant woman and her sister in the fatal Mariental road crash were caused by the unavailability of ambulances, saying reports suggesting no emergency vehicles were available are inaccurate.
Luvindao was responding in Parliament to questions on Thursday from Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) member of parliament Lilani Brinkman, who raised concerns over transport shortages, ambulance driver staffing and the operational status of the oxygen plant at Mariental State Hospital.
Brinkman said it had been reported that Mariental State Hospital was experiencing a severe shortage of transport, affecting its ability to transport critically ill patients, while recent shift changes for ambulance drivers had worsened the situation.
She further claimed the transport challenges had resulted in the deaths of an eight-month pregnant woman and her sister, who were allegedly transported in a police van because ambulance services were unavailable, as well as the death of a five-month-old child who reportedly could not be referred in time due to the absence of transport or an ambulance driver.
The questions stem from the deadly collision near Mariental in which a heavily pregnant woman, her unborn baby and her sister were among those killed. The crash claimed the lives of 12 correctional officers, two police officers and two civilians after two vehicles collided on the B1 road about seven kilometres north of Mariental.
At the time, four police officers had responded to assist Diana Jagger, who had gone into labour and had no transport to hospital. They picked up Jagger and her sister, Roseltha Higoam, but never reached the hospital after being involved in the crash.
Then inspector general of the Namibian Police, Joseph Shikongo, said 14 people died at the scene while two police officers later succumbed to their injuries. He also said the tragedy extended beyond the 16 confirmed deaths because Jagger's unborn baby was fully developed. However, family members said she was eight months pregnant with twins.
Responding to Brinkman's allegations, Luvindao said the ministry recognised the need for reliable ambulance services but disputed reports that no ambulances were available during the fatal accident.
"It was reported that a pregnant mother and her sister lost their lives due to the unavailability of ambulance services, and they were transported in a police van. While the loss of life is deeply regretted, the report is inaccurate in suggesting no ambulances were available. In fact, three ambulances responded to the mass accident, including two from the MoHSS and one from the Municipality," she said.
The minister added that the Mariental District has nine ambulances on its master list, five of which are currently operational. Three are stationed at Mariental State Hospital, while two are based at peripheral health facilities in Maltahöhe and Sesriem.
"As of the day in question, the hospital had three ambulances in running condition, thus transport was not the issue," Luvindao said.
On staffing, she acknowledged shortages of Emergency Care Practitioners (ECPs) and ambulance drivers.
According to the minister, only five of the hospital's 11 ECP positions are filled, while three of the four driver posts at Mariental State Hospital are occupied, leaving one vacancy.
She said recruitment to fill the vacant positions is underway and that the ministry is reviewing shift management and resource allocation to improve emergency medical response services.
Brinkman also questioned the ministry's handling of oxygen supply at Mariental State Hospital, alleging that despite the existence of a fully functional oxygen plant, management had opted to purchase oxygen cylinders instead of servicing the plant, putting patients' lives at risk.
Luvindao said an investigation into the reported oxygen supply issues had been launched and that disciplinary action would be taken if negligence or mismanagement is found.
She said preliminary reports indicate the hospital's oxygen plant had malfunctioned, prompting the facility to increase its supply of oxygen cylinders as a contingency measure.
"The servicing of the oxygen plant is an immediate priority. Funds have been allocated for its repair," the minister said, adding that after minor servicing on 2 September 2025, the plant had been switched back on, while additional parts had been ordered to complete a major service.
