The Rupara Health Centre in Kavango West has no full-time doctor. A nurse in charge, Chrispinus Kanyengo, says the facility depends on visiting doctors who come just once a week, usually on Wednesdays. He states these doctors arrive exhausted from other clinics, which hurts the quality of care for the roughly twelve thousand people who rely on the center.
The clinic faces severe resource shortages. Its maternity ward only has two beds, forcing staff to use general wards. A new maternity building is under construction. Other problems include no ambulance, a broken backup generator, and a lack of staff housing. Kanyengo says a doctor's residence exists, but budget delays prevent filling the position. He is calling for a permanent doctor, repaired equipment, and proper staffing for the new maternity unit.
The regional health director, Fransiska Hamutenya, acknowledges the issue, blaming human resources and budget limits. Kanyengo notes patient queues can reach nearly a hundred people on the single day a doctor is present, highlighting the ongoing strain on services.
The clinic faces severe resource shortages. Its maternity ward only has two beds, forcing staff to use general wards. A new maternity building is under construction. Other problems include no ambulance, a broken backup generator, and a lack of staff housing. Kanyengo says a doctor's residence exists, but budget delays prevent filling the position. He is calling for a permanent doctor, repaired equipment, and proper staffing for the new maternity unit.
The regional health director, Fransiska Hamutenya, acknowledges the issue, blaming human resources and budget limits. Kanyengo notes patient queues can reach nearly a hundred people on the single day a doctor is present, highlighting the ongoing strain on services.
