Medicines registrar removed amid supply shortages
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has removed medicines registrar Fransina Nambahu and appointed Frieda Shigwedha as her replacement, effective 1 June, as part of a broader reform programme aimed at overhauling Namibia's pharmaceutical regulatory system.
Senior ministry officials confirmed the change, saying a formal announcement would be made today.
The official said the appointment forms part of a wider effort to strengthen governance, accountability, regulatory effectiveness and service delivery across the medicines value chain.
"The ministry is currently undertaking broader pharmaceutical sector reforms aimed at strengthening governance, regulatory effectiveness, accountability and service delivery across the medicines value chain. This is part of that reform," one official said.
The change comes amid persistent allegations of irregularities within the pharmaceutical sector and an ongoing investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
The ACC confirmed publicly in 2025 that it had received a request to investigate the ministry's pharmaceutical division. According to ministry insiders, the investigation remains ongoing.
A WhatsApp message circulating widely over the weekend alleged that Nambahu was removed over claims that she intentionally delayed or blocked medicine registrations to benefit certain companies and contributed to medicine shortages. The message also contained allegations of corruption and conflicts of interest.
However, one ministry official cautioned that the allegations remain unproven.
"Yes, we have been hearing of the allegations in that circulating WhatsApp. Until the ACC completes its investigation, I cannot confirm whether they are true or not," the official said.
The official stressed that the decision to remove the registrar was taken in accordance with applicable procedures.
"All administrative decisions taken by the ministry are guided by applicable laws, policies and due process requirements, particularly in cases of dereliction of duty."
"The correct processes were followed to finalise the removal in conjunction with the Public Service Commission."
The ministry believes significant structural reforms are required within the pharmaceutical regulatory environment.
"The ministry is literally having to rebuild a whole new system from the ground up. There was no system," another official said.
The official added that the ministry had identified individuals allegedly working against reform efforts and that additional personnel changes could follow.
"In an effort to build a properly functioning system, the ministry has identified that there are those that are pulling in a different direction intentionally. The ministry is actively working on parting ways with more individuals in the coming weeks and months."
According to ministry insiders, lengthy Public Service Commission processes often create the impression that no action is being taken when disciplinary procedures may already be underway.
The ministry is also awaiting the outcome of the ACC investigation, which could determine whether criminal proceedings follow.
"The investigation conclusions of the ACC will pave the way for criminal processes. The ministry is thus applying pressure on the ACC to conclude its investigation," the official said.
Efforts to get Nambahu’s comment proved futile.
