Namibia's Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, has issued a stern warning to healthcare workers who arrive late to work, stating that it undermines the healthcare system. She made the statement during the inauguration of the N$8.9 million Mabushe healthcare clinic in the Kavango East region. The clinic, which has 13 rooms, serves over 5,000 people from 18 settlements in the area and replaces an older facility that was frequently disrupted by seasonal floods.
The Mabushe clinic has been recording significant activity since its inception, with 13,894 consultations with outpatients, 75 prenatal care visits, 245 family planning sessions, and 390 vaccinations between January and September this year. Additionally, six babies were born at the clinic under emergency circumstances. Dr. Luvindao emphasized that these numbers represent lives impacted, protected, and saved, highlighting the importance of the clinic to the local community.
Dr. Luvindao's warning follows concerns raised about doctors arriving late to public healthcare facilities and leaving before the end of their work shifts. She recently told parliament that the ministry will introduce a biometric attendance system at certain hospitals to monitor staff attendance. This move aims to address complaints from communities about doctors' lack of punctuality while patients wait in long queues.
The Mabushe clinic serves an estimated population of over 5,000 people from Mabushe and 17 surrounding settlements. Out of the clinic's 16 approved positions, 13 are filled, representing a staff occupancy rate of 81.3%. Dr. Luvindao encouraged the clinic's staff to adhere to working hours and demonstrate a sense of duty, care, and accountability. She stressed that patients should never suffer unnecessarily due to the absence of healthcare professionals.
The clinic's new location was chosen to minimize the risk of flooding and provide a safer environment for patients and healthcare workers. The government invested nearly N$9 million in the upgrade. Dr. Luvindao also noted that the clinic has created job opportunities for qualifying local residents in administrative and support positions.
The biometric attendance system will enable the ministry to track when staff members arrive and leave work. This initiative is part of the ministry's efforts to improve healthcare services and address concerns about staff attendance. Dr. Luvindao emphasized that arriving late to work is not a minor administrative error but rather a serious offense that disrupts service delivery and erodes public trust.
The Mabushe clinic's inauguration marks a significant milestone in the region's healthcare development. With its higher location and modern facilities, the clinic is better equipped to serve the local community's healthcare needs. Dr. Luvindao's efforts to improve staff attendance and accountability are expected to have a positive impact on the quality of healthcare services provided.
Key points
- Dr. Esperance Luvindao warns healthcare workers against being late, citing impact on patient care.
