The Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Susan Ndjaleka, has reiterated the need to upgrade Engela District Hospital to an intermediate hospital to improve access to specialised healthcare services in the Ohangwena Region.

Ndjaleka said the region's growing population has increased the demand for advanced healthcare services.

She emphasised that upgrading Engela Hospital would provide a referral centre for Eenhana and Okongo district hospitals, reducing the need to refer patients requiring specialised treatment to Oshakati and Onandjokwe hospitals.

Ohangwena Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa said the Engela district serves the largest catchment population in the region and that upgrading the hospital would be a significant step toward improving healthcare delivery and expanding access to quality health services.

Addressing the shortage of pharmaceuticals in government health facilities, Ndjaleka assured healthcare professionals that the issue is being addressed.

Ndjaleka also visited unoccupied buildings in Oshikango to assess their suitability for conversion into treatment centres and rehabilitation facilities.