A legal challenge targeting a pharmaceutical supply agreement could intensify medicine shortages plaguing government health facilities across Namibia. Sara Katiti's company, Afripharm Investments, has petitioned the High Court to nullify contracts awarded to 13 suppliers, arguing the procurement exceeded its 180-day validity period specified under public purchasing regulations. The contested arrangement covers pharmaceutical deliveries to the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
Katiti's firm originally secured a portion worth 9.5 million Namibian dollars when authorities initially distributed the contract among 14 entities, though protracted litigation delayed finalization. The Central Procurement Board of Namibia subsequently revised Afripharm's allocation upward while eliminating performance security requirements for winning bidders.
Parliamentarian George Kambala criticized commercial litigation over procurement as deliberately obstructing medical supplies. Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda cautioned that HIV testing materials and other critical medications face depletion at public hospitals without immediate intervention. Healthcare workers and patients throughout Khomas, Omusati, and Zambezi regions have reported difficulties obtaining diabetes and hypertension treatments alongside contraceptives and pediatric pain relievers.
Katiti's firm originally secured a portion worth 9.5 million Namibian dollars when authorities initially distributed the contract among 14 entities, though protracted litigation delayed finalization. The Central Procurement Board of Namibia subsequently revised Afripharm's allocation upward while eliminating performance security requirements for winning bidders.
Parliamentarian George Kambala criticized commercial litigation over procurement as deliberately obstructing medical supplies. Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda cautioned that HIV testing materials and other critical medications face depletion at public hospitals without immediate intervention. Healthcare workers and patients throughout Khomas, Omusati, and Zambezi regions have reported difficulties obtaining diabetes and hypertension treatments alongside contraceptives and pediatric pain relievers.
