The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information and Communication Technology conducted an oversight visit to the Hedimbi Clinic in the Oshikoto Region to assess the network tower, which was inaugurated last October.
Registered nurse at the Hedimbi Clinic, Ndaendelao Mukunisha, said the seven years of free Wi-Fi and the network tower have improved communication among healthcare workers and beyond.
"We can call colleagues at district hospitals when we need their services and when some are in the field during outreach programmes to villages. Network was a challenge; we used to place our phones on windows to get a network signal.”
Located over 50 kilometers northwest of Oshivelo, the clinic has outreach programmes and general screening services aimed at reaching those in more remote areas.
During the visit, Member of Parliament Fredrick Shitana called for the road to Hedimbi Clinic to be levelled, saying it is in a poor state and causes delays in reaching the facility.
Shitana commended the government for installing the network tower and free Wi-Fi, funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF).
“Although it is only about 30 km from the main road to this place, it takes two to three hours to get here. This is why we need a proper road, even if it is just a gravel road.”
This is what some residents had to say about being able to access health care services within their reach.
“This clinic has changed our lives for the better because it is located nearby. Before it was established, we had to travel to Oshivelo, which is extremely far. From my house, this clinic is only 5 km away. Accessing health care was a huge challenge because, whether it was for a headache or antenatal care, we had to commute long distances,” stressed Hileni Pinheas.
“It is not good to stay at home when you are sick while there is a clinic available. The service fee here is N$4, and I am grateful that patients are assisted even when they do not have any money. We can receive treatment and pay during our next visit when we can afford it,” added Shekupe Haufiku.
The clinic employs six nurses: three enrolled and three registered. It was inaugurated in 2011.