The ongoing shortage of medicine in public health facilities has sparked concern from the public, with some patients reportedly having to buy pharmaceuticals themselves.

Minister of Health and Social Services Dr. Esperance Luvindao said the government has not opted for a simple rental arrangement for the Central Medical Store but is instead pursuing a lease-to-own model aimed at addressing urgent pharmaceutical storage challenges.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has potentially saved about N$221 million since it decided to procure pharmaceutical and clinical supplies directly from the suppliers.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has made strides towards developing sustainable self-reliance in the production of medicines on the African continent.

The Director of Pharmaceutical Services in the Health Ministry, Naita Nghishekwa, says the newly launched Namibia Essential Clinical Supplies list is a technical reference tool designed to align procurement, supply chain operations and facility-level management. 

Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus on Friday revealed that Cabinet approved the strengthening of the Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council.

Legal battles and lengthy procurement processes have negatively affected the availability of pharmaceuticals in public health facilities.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) will continue to implement different methods to improve the health sector across the country.