Africa-Press – Namibia. THE rendering of healthcare services to inmates is a key responsibility of the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS), said Lucia Iipumbu, the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, during the inauguration of the Kaoko-Otavi Correctional Facility Clinic in the Kunene Region on Tuesday.
She said that the provision of healthcare services to inmates aligns with the principles set forth in the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules, which state, among others, that prisoners should enjoy the same standards of health care that are available in the community and should have access to the necessary healthcare services free of charge, without discrimination on the ground of their legal status.
Iipumbu said that although the facility has not yet begun admitting inmates, the opening of the clinic signifies far more than just providing healthcare to incarcerated individuals.
“It represents a ground-breaking step toward improving overall health outcomes for the entire community in Kaoko-Otavi. This clinic stands as a vital healthcare hub that will serve the surrounding communities, effectively bridging critical gaps in access to quality medical services,” she said.
She also pointed out the security implications, saying that untreated physical and mental ill-health can contribute to distress, violence and self-harm.
“By contrast,” she said, “accessible healthcare reduces the risk of unrest, improves stability within facilities, and strengthens working conditions for officers.”
The minister noted that correctional facilities are high-risk settings for communicable diseases, and effective clinical services help prevent outbreaks that could affect staff, visitors and surrounding communities.
The construction of the clinic commenced in September at a total cost of N$1.78 million, inclusive of medical equipment and furniture.
The facility includes two consulting rooms, an observation room and a pharmaceutical dispensary. It will be staffed by three nurses.
Said Iipumbu: “This project reflects Government’s commitment to equitable service delivery and social protection. It supports our national development priorities and contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 on health and well-being, while reinforcing our objective of safe and orderly communities.”
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