The Namibia Medical Society (NMS) and the Medical Association of Namibia (MAN) have jointly demanded that Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare withdraw his allegations of an organized criminal cartel exploiting the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (PSEMAS). The medical bodies expressed deep concern over Ngurare's remarks during a National Assembly sitting on 22 October, which they believe unfairly cast the entire medical profession under suspicion.
Ngurare allegedly claimed that a network involving doctors and insiders within PSEMAS was working together to exploit the scheme, stating that N$4 billion had been used and that the cartel seemed to be working well. The Prime Minister made these remarks in response to concerns about PSEMAS expenditure and shortages of essential medicines in public health facilities.
The medical associations have called on Ngurare to unconditionally withdraw his allegations through a formal statement in the National Assembly, issue a public apology, and present a factual report detailing the alleged irregularities and investigations undertaken. They argue that Ngurare's remarks have created an impression of collective criminality among medical practitioners, which could undermine public confidence in the medical profession.
The NMS and MAN acknowledged that Ngurare may not have intended to implicate every medical doctor but stressed that his words have consequences, including unintended ones. They emphasized that they do not condone corruption, fraudulent claims, or unethical professional conduct and will not defend any practitioner found guilty of wrongdoing.
The medical bodies cautioned against attributing PSEMAS's financial difficulties exclusively to medical practitioners, noting that doctors are not the only healthcare providers submitting claims to the scheme. They suggested that expenditure should be examined across all categories of providers and that the scheme's financing arrangements and payment mechanisms should be designed to promote cost-effectiveness and quality healthcare.
The dispute arises as the government seeks additional funding to sustain PSEMAS, with Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah announcing an allocation of N$535 million for the scheme during the 2026/27 midterm budget review. The government has been pursuing reforms to address concerns about the scheme's financial sustainability, including the establishment of a governance council and changes to member contribution structures.
The NMS and MAN have expressed their willingness to contribute their professional expertise to the reform process but stressed that meaningful engagement with healthcare professionals and their representative bodies is necessary for sustainable changes. They have also called on the Speaker of the National Assembly to consider Ngurare's remarks under the House's applicable Standing Rules.
Key points
- Medical associations demand Prime Minister Ngurare's apology over PSEMAS allegations.
- Ngurare's remarks allegedly implicated the entire medical profession in a criminal cartel.
- The government is seeking additional funding to sustain PSEMAS.
