A recent audit report by Namibia's auditor general, Junias Kandjeke, has uncovered irregularities in the Ministry of Health and Social Services' payroll disbursements. The report reveals that the ministry paid over N$8 million in fixed overtime to 40 staff members who were on full-time study leave. This amount includes payments to a medical doctor who collected full benefits while on unauthorised leave. The audit report was released as part of the ministry's financial statements for the financial year ended 31 March 2025.
According to the report, N$4.7 million was paid to 24 staff members attached to Katutura Intermediate Hospital who were on full-time study leave. An additional N$3.2 million was disbursed under similar circumstances to 16 staff members at Windhoek Central Hospital. The auditor general's report states that the ministry did not provide documentation indicating that the employees on full-time study leave had been seconded to perform overtime duties at the institutions where they were studying.
The audit report highlights a specific case involving a doctor who went on unauthorised study leave for nearly six months between February and July 2024. During this period, she was paid fixed doctor overtime amounting to N$115 756.50 and a monthly salary and other benefits totalling N$298 917.33. In total, the doctor pocketed N$414 673.83 while absent without authorisation. This case is part of a broader pattern of financial mismanagement at the health ministry.
The auditor general's report also notes that the ministry operates without formalised risk management policies, risk assessment protocols, or fraud prevention measures. The absence of a functioning audit committee increases the risk that recommendations from internal and external audits may not be implemented. This lack of oversight raises concerns about the likelihood of undetected fraudulent activities and irregularities.
Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) shadow health minister Lilani Brinkman has expressed concern over the findings, citing the challenges facing the public health system. Brinkman states that N$8 million is a significant amount that could have been used to address medicine shortages, staff shortages, and essential services to patients. She questions the lack of evidence demonstrating that the overtime hours were actually worked.
Brinkman has called for accountability, asking who authorised these payments, who verified the hours, and who is accountable for N$8 million leaving the public purse without supporting evidence. She emphasises that strong financial controls are essential to prevent such irregularities. The auditor general's report also raises concerns about the ministry's risk-management arrangements and internal oversight.
The IPC has described the situation as unacceptable, given the struggles of the public health system. The party is calling for measures to ensure that such irregularities do not recur. The health ministry's financial mismanagement has significant implications for the delivery of healthcare services in Namibia.
Key points
- The Ministry of Health and Social Services paid N$8 million in overtime to staff on study leave.
- A medical doctor was paid N$415 000 while on unauthorised leave.
- The ministry's lack of risk management policies and internal controls raises concerns about financial mismanagement.
