The Ministry of Health and Social Services in Namibia is considering a proposal to utilize private hospital theatres to alleviate the surgical waiting list for state patients. This proposal, initially reported in May, suggests that state patients could undergo operations at private hospitals during evenings, weekends, and public holidays. The ministry has confirmed that the proposal is under review but has not been finalized.
Before making a decision, the ministry is assessing the efficiency of existing theatre capacity at Windhoek Central Hospital, the national referral hospital. A theatre-time audit has been conducted to evaluate the hospital's theatre usage and identify gaps in theatre time utilization. Additionally, Windhoek Central Hospital has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of its theatre processes to improve operational efficiency and increase the number of patients operated on daily.
As part of efforts to increase theatre capacity, Windhoek Central Hospital has added five hours of theatre time for urology, which ran from August 10 to October 12. Urology is among the surgical disciplines with a significant theatre waiting list. Ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya stated that the ministry welcomes the proposal from the private sector to use private theatre time and space to help reduce the waiting list of state patients for theatre.
The proposal has raised concerns among private specialists regarding the availability of specialist doctors after hours. However, Kamaya emphasized that using private theatre space does not necessarily imply that private-sector specialists would perform the operations. State specialists could be used to meet these objectives, he added. The ministry is still studying the proposal against its strategic objectives and available resources and has not concluded any agreements with private-sector partners.
The ministry's consideration of the proposal comes as it seeks to address the backlog of state patients waiting for surgery. Any collaboration with the private sector would need to be implemented within the available resources and guided by the ministry's strategic objectives. Kamaya stated that all relevant factors, including specialist availability, would be considered before the intervention could be accommodated.
Dr. Gideon van Tonder, an ear, nose, and throat specialist, has raised concerns about the availability of specialist doctors in private hospitals after hours. He noted that private hospitals generally employ general practitioners rather than specialist doctors, which could impact the provision of after-hours emergency care. The ministry has not yet concluded the proposal and will provide feedback as discussions progress.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services aims to make an informed decision about using private hospital theatres to reduce the state surgical waiting list. The review of Windhoek Central Hospital's theatre capacity and the consideration of the private sector proposal are part of efforts to improve healthcare services in Namibia. The ministry will consider various factors before making a final decision on the proposal.
Key points
- The Ministry of Health and Social Services is reviewing the proposal to use private hospital theatres to reduce the state surgical waiting list.
- A theatre-time audit has been conducted at Windhoek Central Hospital to assess its theatre usage and identify gaps in theatre time utilization.
- The ministry aims to make an informed decision about using private hospital theatres to improve healthcare services in Namibia.
