The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health, Social Welfare, and Labour Affairs paid a visit to Oshakati Intermediate Hospital in the Oshana Region.

During the meeting, the committee learnt about the challenges and achievements in the Oshana directorate of health from Johanna Haimene, the Director of Health, and some senior staff members.

Haimene singled out the critical need for a district hospital in the Oshana Region to decongest Oshakati Referral Hospital and reduce maternal and neonatal deaths.

She said that for more than five consecutive years, the region has been taking a leading position in maternal and neonatal deaths in the country.

She further mentioned the need for a standalone mental health facility at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, as the current facility is not responding to the public's mental health needs.

There is also a need for two bigger health centres in Oshakati and Ongwediva towns, as well as pharmaceutical supplies in the region.