The Henties Bay Clinic received two brand new ambulances valued at N$1.6 million from the Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine on Friday.
The donation is part of the mine's "Heart on Wheels" initiative.
Armandt Visagie, the Chief Financial Officer of the Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine, stated that the mine initiated the "Heart on Wheels" initiative in December 2024, delivering the first ambulance to the Omaruru District Hospital.
"Since then, we have delivered ambulances to the Swakopmund District Hospital and the Walvis Bay District Hospital, as well as a 4x4 Land Cruiser to the Omaruru District Hospital, specifically to ensure access to communities in hard-to-reach areas or parts of the Erongo Region. And today, here in Henties Bay, we are delighted to hand over two more ambulances, bringing the total to six ambulances delivered to the Ministry of Health and Social Services under the "Hearts on Wheels" initiative."
The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, in a speech delivered on her behalf, emphasised that the Ministry of Health and Social Services has the mandate to provide integrated, affordable, accessible and quality health and social services to all people in Namibia.
According to the minister, the second ambulance will be donated to the Swakopmund District Hospital, adding that the timing of the donation comes at the perfect time.
"Moreover, the 28-bed neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU), built at the Swakopmund District Hospital, is nearing its completion, and having a reliable and fully equipped ambulance is timely and critical. To accomplish and realise the dream of a functional neonatal ICU, a neonatal intensive care unit was created on the revised staff establishment of Swakopmund District Hospital. As such, effort will be made to ensure that such a facility is fully equipped to address the needs of this community and beyond."
The Governor of the Erongo region, Natalia |Goagoses, conducted a brief inspection of the clinic and commended the state of the health facility.
|Goagoses pledged funding from her personal funds towards the upkeep of the clinic.
"I inspected the bathrooms used by the clinic personnel, and as governor, I will assist with renovations and replace the toilet facility that I observed. I therefore ask the superintendent and the doctor here to get me the quotation so that I can put in a proper toilet pot, and if need be, tiling of that bathroom. I shall do so once I have received that quotation."
She further urged the business community to join hands with the government and help contribute towards the upkeep of the bathroom and kitchen facilities at the clinic.