Namibian president investigates medicine shortages
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Windhoek Observer
Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is investigating complaints about medicine shortages in hospitals and clinics. She is particularly questioning possible deliberate disruption of the supply chain, as stocks at the Central Medical Stores remained below set targets, according to Windhoek Observer.
Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is investigating complaints about the distribution of medicines in public hospitals and clinics, including possible deliberate interference in the pharmaceutical supply chain. She announced the investigation during a public meeting in Swakopmund, according to the Windhoek Observer.
The Ministry of Health had allocated 1.89 billion Namibian dollars for pharmaceutical products and clinical supplies for the 2025/26 financial year. Health Minister Esperance Luvindao said in September 2025 that the service level of the Central Medical Stores, measured by the quantities delivered against orders from facilities, was below 57% during the previous two financial years, against a ministry target of 80%.
The service level rose to 60% in May 2026, but several essential medicines remained understocked or unavailable at public facilities, according to the Ministry of Health. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said medicine procurement had improved under her administration, while pointing to persistent distribution problems.
The Ministry of Health had also opened an internal investigation in April 2026 into suspected fraud at the Central Medical Stores, including stock manipulation, theft and diversion of medicines. The ministry said the alleged practices could cause artificial shortages intended to trigger public alarm and prompt emergency purchases.
