Africa-Press – Namibia. Elective surgeries at Rundu Intermediate Hospital have been suspended, making it the second state hospital in two days to halt non-urgent procedures over shortages of critical anaesthetic drugs.
A leaked internal letter dated 14 April shows that the hospital has run out of anaesthetic agents needed for general anaesthesia, with the shortage also linked to supply constraints at Central Medical Stores.
The letter was signed by specialist anaesthesiologist and head of department Dr Singatiya Chikumbanje, and circulated to surgical heads of department, senior medical officers and nurse managers.
“Please be informed that there is presently a shortage of critical anaesthetic agents for the administration of general anaesthesia,” the letter reads.
It states that all elective procedures have been suspended since yesterday until further notice to preserve remaining stock for emergencies.
“This measure will help ensure that emergency cases are prioritised using the available supply of anaesthetic agents,” the document states.
The development follows a similar suspension at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital, which The Namibian reported on yesterday after a leaked internal letter revealed shortages of critical hypnotic anaesthetic agents.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has not commented on the leaked Rundu letter.
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