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In a significant move to reinforce Namibia’s healthcare system, the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has unveiled a series of new initiatives aimed at expanding the national pharmacy workforce and improving access to pharmaceutical services in underserved rural communities.
Speaking at the launch of National Pharmacy Week, Deputy Director in the MoHSS, Johannes Gaiseb, emphasized the urgent need to address the unequal distribution of pharmacists across the country. He pointed out that most pharmacists are currently based in urban centres, while rural regions — where access to healthcare is most limited — continue to face a shortage of pharmaceutical professionals.
“Workforce distribution remains a major challenge,” Gaiseb stated. “Namibia has a limited number of pharmacists, and the concentration in urban areas means many rural patients are left without adequate pharmaceutical care. We must explore innovative strategies like rural placement incentives and structured rotation schemes to address this imbalance.”
To combat the shortage, the MoHSS is considering the implementation of rural service incentives — such as financial benefits or career advancement opportunities — to encourage pharmacists to take up positions in remote areas. Additionally, the ministry is planning to establish structured rotational programmes that would allow pharmacists to gain experience across various settings, including rural outposts.
Enhanced training and professional development also form a key part of the strategy. Gaiseb stressed the importance of equipping pharmacists with the knowledge and skills required to meet both current and emerging healthcare challenges.
Gaiseb acknowledged the distinct but complementary roles of both public and private sector pharmacists. In the public sector, pharmacists often work under resource constraints to manage the logistics and supply of essential medications, particularly in hard-to-reach communities. In contrast, private sector pharmacists must balance commercial viability with ethical responsibility, while providing personalized care and pharmaceutical counselling.
The MoHSS is actively collaborating with national and international institutions to bolster the profession. Key partners include local universities, the Pharmacy Council of Namibia, the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and USAID. These partnerships aim to advance continuous professional development and introduce global best practices into local pharmacy training.
Special focus is being given to areas such as antimicrobial resistance and digital health integration, ensuring that Namibian pharmacists are prepared to tackle modern healthcare challenges. Gaiseb concluded by urging the sector to draw inspiration from international examples where pharmacists have become integral to primary healthcare delivery and receive funding based on measurable health outcomes.
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The MoHSS’s renewed focus on equitable access and professional development marks a pivotal step in ensuring that all Namibians, regardless of geographic location, can access essential pharmaceutical services and benefit from a stronger, more responsive healthcare system.
