Namibia has taken an important step towards improving emergency medical services with the inauguration of its first government-owned air ambulance on Wednesday last week.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services officially inaugurated the aircraft at Eros Airport in Windhoek. The air ambulance will help transport critically ill patients who need urgent medical attention at specialist hospitals, particularly those living in regions where certain medical services are not available. The new service is expected to strengthen the referral system between regional health facilities and hospitals that can provide more specialised treatment.
According to the Ministry, the aircraft will make it possible to transport emergency patients over long distances more quickly, where travelling by road could take too much time. The Ministry said that in medical emergencies, every minute can make a difference, and faster access to the right medical care could save lives. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Windhoek, Vice President Lucia Witbooi described the initiative as a historic step towards strengthening emergency medical services and ensuring equitable healthcare access for all Namibians, regardless of where they live.
The air ambulance service includes a fully equipped Learjet aircraft capable of functioning as an intensive care unit in the sky, medical helicopter evacuation services in partnership with the Namibian Police Force and Namibian Defence Force, dedicated pilots provided through Government Air Transport Services, specialised emergency healthcare professionals, and emergency service centres based at national referral hospitals.
According to the Vice President, the investment forms part of government’s commitment to universal healthcare coverage and aligns with Namibia’s Vision 2030 and National Development Plan goals The air ambulance will support medical teams in the regions when patients need treatment beyond what their local health facilities can provide. The Ministry acknowledged that Namibia still needs more intermediate and referral hospitals within the regions to reduce the need to transport patients over long distances in the first place. However, establishing these facilities will take time, while patients need medical services now. The air ambulance is therefore seen as an important step towards improving access to emergency healthcare while the Ministry continues working towards strengthening health facilities across the country.
The aircraft was previously owned by the Ministry of Works and Transport and had been standing unused at the airport for several years, although annual certification and maintenance costs continued to be paid. The Ministry of Health and Social Services thanked the Ministry of Works and Transport, under the leadership of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, for making the transfer of the aircraft possible. Following the transfer, the Ministry carried out minor upgrades and established a steering committee to oversee the air ambulance service and ensure that it serves Namibians who need urgent medical transport.
The Ministry said the new service is not intended for VIP patients but for Namibians who need emergency medical assistance. It added that while much work remains to be done to improve the country’s healthcare system, the inauguration marks another step towards making essential medical services more accessible.
The aim is to give more Namibians a chance to receive the care they need and return home to their families.
By Eileen van der Schyff
