Africa-Press – Namibia. Construction of a new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ward is currently underway at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, to ensure that there are enough beds to accommodate patients.
This was revealed yesterday by the Medical Superintendent of Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, Dr. Ruben Kanime.
He said the ICU is being constructed at a tune of N$26.4 million.
The new ICU is expected to open towards the end of the year and will have 17 beds.
Dr. Kanime noted that the hospital already has an ICU, but it is too small and cannot accommodate many patients.
“It only has six beds. This is a major challenge that we currently face at our hospital,” he said.
He emphasised that Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, which was built in 1966, is one of the largest hospitals in the north.
Dr. Kanime added that the hospital receives patients from several regions across the country.
“Patients normally come from Ohangwena, Omusati, Kunene and Oshikoto. This hospital is truly offering medical services to many people,” he said.
He also praised the Ministry of Health and Social Services for its continued support in delivering quality healthcare services.
According to Dr. Kanime, the ministry has recruited 40 doctors, 31 registered nurses, and 54 enrolled nurses for Oshakati Intermediate Hospital during the current financial year.
“We are also working on expanding the operating theatre, as the current one is too small to accommodate more doctors,” he added.
Kanime highlighted that an eye clinic, spearheaded by Dr. Helena Ndume, was recently opened at the hospital.
“This clinic was provided with sufficient equipment and is really assisting many people,” he said.
However, he also spoke about ongoing challenges such as overcrowding in the psychiatric ward.
“This ward needs more staff to ensure that mentally ill patients do not escape,” he added.
Dr. Kanime stressed the need for a dedicated psychiatric hospital to be built, as the current facilities in the northern regions are overcrowded.
He further mentioned that some wards are under-equipped, but the government is working hard to improve the situation.
“We also face a shortage of wheelchairs for patients with disabilities,” he said.
Another challenge he pointed out is the narrow corridors, which make it difficult to transport patients on beds and in wheelchairs.
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