The Minister of Health and Social Services, Esperance Luvindao, has said that despite work ahead, Namibians have reasonable access to health care.

She made the remarks at the official opening of the new Onandjokwe Hospital Maternity Ward.

The ward, which consists of 120 beds and 12 private rooms in the antenatal and postnatal sections, was built for N$57 million.

The ward addresses a longstanding need for expectant mothers to deliver in a friendly space.

Health and Social Services minister said the Onandjokwe Hospital has reduced its maternal mortality ratio from over 400 per 100 000 live births in 1998 to just 70 per 100,000 live births in 2026.

This means the hospital has met the Sustainable Development Goal target for 2030 and progress toward zero maternal deaths.

Dr. Luvindao called for responsive health care workers in order to transform the quality of service at state facilities.

She urged them to make it a five-star experience for its patients and be attended to with diligence and empathy.

"These achievements very cleary demonstrate that the 8th administration under the leadership of President Nandi-Ndaitwah is resolute in delivering quality health care services  for the people of Namibia. What we built is now the largest maternity ward in Namibia," she said.

Oshikoto Governor, Sacky Kathindi called on the government to continue revamping the aging Onandjokwe Hospital infrastructure.

Onandjokwe is one of the oldest hospitals in northern Namibia, and most of its infrastructure is in a dilapidated state.

Kathindi added that disparity in access to safe delivery facilities remain a challenge and that the new maternity ward is a decisive step towards addressing the challenges faced by pregnant women in the region.

"Its only fit that alongside new facilities, exciting infrastructure especially Onandjokwe Hospital the oldest in northern Namibia receives its fair share of modernisation," said Luvindao.

One of the expecting mother, Secilia Mathew said the ward offers a homely environment and commended services of the health care workers.

"We have aircons in the rooms, we also have functioning alarm  that immediately alert  nurse and doctors when we need them. We are happy with the medical personnel at this unit," she said.