ABRAHAM Iyambo (photo), the minister of eduation, yesterday confirmed that he had been in a Cuban hospital, as was reported by The Namibian earlier this week. He said he went to the hospital for a "head to toe" checkup which he had planned since last year.

"Yes, I was in Cuba. I went for a medical checkup and I advise you to go for one as well. I went for my checkup at a hospital in Cuba; medical checkups are not done in the streets of Cuba," said the education minister.

He added that he has a high regard for the Cuban medical service since he studied in the country.

Iyambo said he would no longer divulge information about his health to the public, as it is a private matter like anyone else's. "I have been too kind to talk to you about my health," he said to journalists.

"I am in good shape. Enough on my health. Leave me alone now, asseblief tog," said the minister.

"I am writing a book and I will address those things in my book."

Iyambo denied rumours that he had collapsed at an airport in Cuba before he was hospitalised.

"I had no idea I would be missed," the minister said jokingly.