Medical staff shortage delays inmate care in Namibia

Inadequate medical staffing at Namibian detention centers has created treatment delays and restricted healthcare access for inmates, according to findings from the National Council's standing committee on home affairs, security and constitutional and legal affairs. The assessment, conducted between January 20 and March 12 at correctional facilities and police holding cells, revealed that most locations lack permanent health workers and depend on rotating nurses or occasional district health center visits.

Transportation shortages and an escort officer force inmates to wait multiple days before reaching hospitals for examinations or procedures. Ministry of Health and Social Services spokesperson Walters Kamaya clarified that correctional authorities bear responsibility for transporting inmates to medical facilities, while health services maintain only physical infrastructure within detention settings. Police holding cells provide no onsite medical support, leaving detainees reliant on escorts to state health facilities when transport and staffing permit.

The committee recommended enhanced coordination between the safety and health ministries, improved correctional clinic staffing levels, revised medical referral protocols and consistent chronic medication supplies to address health risks in overcrowded detention environments.