The Ministry of Health and Social Services inaugurated four new board members at the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP), who are tasked with strengthening a system that supports over 80% of the country's population.

The board consists of Dr. Stephanie Viljoen as the Chairperson and an expert in human resources, deputised by Lucia Kazetjikuria, a Chartered Accountant and finance expert; Dr. Willem Hikuam, an expert in medical research and pathology; and Helvi Haludhilu, a legal practitioner. 

The new members are tasked with strengthening service delivery and improving access to laboratory services. 

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Esperance Luvindao, has called for zero tolerance towards any form of misconduct within the institute.

Dr. Luvindao urged the new board to uphold high standards of governance and accountability.

"That then means if you are entrusted with governance and strategy formulation as well as implementation, you are accountable and will be directly reporting to the minister in accordance with the Namibia Institute of Pathology Act 15 of 1999, read together with the relevant Act number 2019. So as you take on this role, you are expected, of course, to operate at the highest level of integrity and strategy now more than ever before."

The Board Chairperson, Stephanie Viljoen, said she is looking forward to the task. "Firstly, ensuring that the institute is firmly grounded in strong governance with ethics and integrity at its core. Secondly, supporting the operational excellence and sustainability ensures that NIP continues to deliver high-quality, efficient and accessible services. Thirdly, the institute must position itself for the future by embracing innovation."

The Namibia Institute of Pathology is the country's leading public provider of medical laboratory services, established in 2000.

It took over diagnostic services from the government and has since grown into all 14 regions across the country.

The board will be driving the institute toward growth and improving service delivery for the next three years.