Namibia's health ministry has taken delivery of its first medical supplies purchased directly from manufacturers, bypassing intermediaries accused of driving up prices. The shipment from Pfizer arrived at Central Medical Stores following Health Minister Esperance Luvinda's direct negotiations with 41 global suppliers last month, which saved the government 221 million Namibian dollars.
Deputy Executive Director Theo-Ben Kandetu accepted the supplies and said additional deliveries would arrive by Tuesday, October 29. The ministry aims to raise its central warehouse inventory above 80 percent through the new procurement model.
Luvinda said the strategy would reduce chronic medicine shortages at public hospitals and clinics. The direct purchasing approach eliminates wholesalers who previously marked up costs when buying for the ministry.
Officials described the arrival as proof of their commitment to building a more transparent drug supply system. More batches will reach storage facilities over the coming weeks and months.
Deputy Executive Director Theo-Ben Kandetu accepted the supplies and said additional deliveries would arrive by Tuesday, October 29. The ministry aims to raise its central warehouse inventory above 80 percent through the new procurement model.
Luvinda said the strategy would reduce chronic medicine shortages at public hospitals and clinics. The direct purchasing approach eliminates wholesalers who previously marked up costs when buying for the ministry.
Officials described the arrival as proof of their commitment to building a more transparent drug supply system. More batches will reach storage facilities over the coming weeks and months.
