Walters Kamaya unpacks the shortage of anaesthetics and other basic medical supplies.

[PODCAST]

Across the country — from Rundu to Keetmanshoop, from Katutura to Windhoek Central — public hospitals have been forced to cancel elective surgeries and limit operations to emergencies only, due to a critical shortage of anaesthetics and other basic medical supplies.

This shortage not only risks lives, but also adds mounting pressure on bigger referral hospitals to cater to patients whose conditions could — and should — have been handled at the clinic or regional level.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Health and Social Services Walters Kamaya provides clarity on what’s happening, why it’s happening, and — most importantly — what comes next.