Kalilo M Kambo
11 November 2008
Health and Social Services Minister Dr Richard Kamwi commended Government for continuing to improve Primary Health Care.
Kamwi was speaking at the inauguration of Iilyateko Primary Health Care Clinic last week on Friday.
The new building cost N$1,1million.
"Two years ago, the Iilyateko PHC Clinic was falling apart due to poor workmanship. As a result the nursing staff had to work in a small building composed of two rooms and a single ablution. This was an accommodation meant for a priest," stated Kamwi.
"This building was dangerous to both the nursing staff and the patients being served. I have no doubt in my mind that you are happy in the environment that you are now working," said the minister.
Soon after independence, Government entered into a partnership agreement in Health between the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the Anglican Diocese of Namibia, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia and the Roman Catholic Church.
According to this agreement, Government subsidised the Church 100 percent for services rendered but in terms of infrastructure development it was agreed on a 50-50 contribution from both sides.
However, Kamwi said, recently the churches had difficulty in terms of financial resources following that the church members in Europe and elsewhere who gave financial support to the church had since ceased to render support.
The Government and the Ministry of Health put thoughts together and found an appropriate form of funding for the mission hospitals in the country.
"The Government of the Republic of Namibia committed herself to promote health for all and to ensure that the objective of health for all Namibians is met in line with Vision 2030. This can not be done by the ministry alone, therefore, the parents in this case, the Church Health Services must be on board," Kamwi said.
Kamwi also commended the church leadership in Namibia for the role they played before and during independence, up to today - in addressing the health of all Namibians.
"Your grace representing the church membership at this occasion, we are saying thank you for not only caring for the spiritual needs of the community but that you were also mindful of their health needs."
He said that when the final history of Namibia is written the Roman Catholic, the Lutheran and the Anglican churches will stand head and shoulder as having contributed immensely to the welfare of the people of Namibia during those critical years of the struggle for the freedom of Namibia.
On 2 October 2008, a new partnership agreement was signed by Kamwi, Archbishop Liborius Nashenda, Bishop Johannes Sundano and Right Rev. Nathaniel Nakwatumba, according to Minister Kamwi.
According to the revised agreement, the churches shall continue to establish new health facilities, and upgrade existing health facilities in line with the Government's policy on establishing new health and social welfare facilities or services of 2000.
However the cost for contribution of health facilities shall be shared on a basis of 95 per cent Ministry of Health and Social Services and 5 per cent by the churches.
However, Kamwi said the Iilyateko Primary Health Care Clinic was built with 100 per cent subsidy from Government.
"The primary objective of PHC clinics is to provide essential services such as immunization, anti- and post-natal care, giving counselling to clients in the prevention of HIV infection, including the provision of PMTCT and ART.
"They also attend to minor health problems and refer cases to district hospitals for further attention by medical officers. Therefore, we expect the statistics on EPI and anti- and post-natal care services to improve," he explained.
Kamwi urged PHC clinics to educate the public to live hygienically, including washing hands after visiting toilets so that preventable diseases like cholera and polio can be prevented.
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