The Minister of Health and Social Services, Esperance Luvindao, has called for improved service delivery at state health facilities, emphasising that professionalism must always be accompanied by kindness and respect. 

She was speaking at the University of Namibia (UNAM) School of Nursing's 2025 oath-taking and awards ceremony, a key milestone for graduates entering the healthcare sector.

The event featured a traditional Florence Nightingale procession, symbolising compassion, dedication, and commitment to patient care. Graduates recited the nurses' service pledge, formally committing themselves to ethical and professional practice.

A senior nurse, Claudia Kambonde, underscored the importance of compassion in the profession, stating that while the uniform signifies professionalism, it is one's heart that defines a nurse.

Addressing the new cohort, the minister reminded graduates of their responsibility as frontline workers, urging them to recognise the value of their role in society.

"And that is what we want to see come out from this class of 2026. As you step into your professional lives, you carry profound responsibilities. I challenge each one of you to deliver nothing less than five-star quality care to every single patient that you encounter. But simultaneously, as I say this, I recognise that it is also our responsibility as a ministry to ensure that we create an environment for you that is conducive."

The ceremony also recognised academic excellence, with awards presented across all years of study in the Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery Science Honours programme, as well as for postgraduate diploma specialisations. 

Sponsored accolades and leadership awards were also handed out to outstanding students.