Felix Santos spent more than four hours lying on the ground outside Ekwafo Pharmacy during Tuesday. The 28-year-old man had received positive malaria test results from Rundu Intermediate State Hospital earlier that day. Santos comes from Angola and works at Uvhungu-Vhungu green-scheme near the area. Hospital staff failed to help him find proper assistance after his diagnosis. Other patients waiting for medicine found Santos already sleeping when they arrived at the pharmacy.
The Namibian newspaper watched the situation for about one hour and discovered Santos had been waiting much longer. A pharmacy worker confirmed the patient had been resting outside their building for three to four hours. Santos explained he has no family members living around Rundu to provide support. He crossed from Angola specifically to receive medical treatment for his condition. The patient said he did not know where to go for help after testing positive.
Ministry spokesman Walter Kamaya said reporters cannot interview patients at hospital facilities. He explained that media access might create problems for patient care and recovery. Police inspector Joseph Hausiku confirmed Santos traveled from Luanda before becoming sick. Hospital superintendent Theresia Shivera reported the patient remains stable after treatment. Authorities advised Santos to contact the Angolan consulate office for additional assistance.
The Namibian newspaper watched the situation for about one hour and discovered Santos had been waiting much longer. A pharmacy worker confirmed the patient had been resting outside their building for three to four hours. Santos explained he has no family members living around Rundu to provide support. He crossed from Angola specifically to receive medical treatment for his condition. The patient said he did not know where to go for help after testing positive.
Ministry spokesman Walter Kamaya said reporters cannot interview patients at hospital facilities. He explained that media access might create problems for patient care and recovery. Police inspector Joseph Hausiku confirmed Santos traveled from Luanda before becoming sick. Hospital superintendent Theresia Shivera reported the patient remains stable after treatment. Authorities advised Santos to contact the Angolan consulate office for additional assistance.
