President Nandi-Ndaitwah Signals Shift in Medical Aid Use for Public Servants

President Nandi-Ndaitwah Signals Shift in Medical Aid Use for Public Servants. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has announced plans to restrict the use of government-funded medical aid by public servants at private healthcare facilities, in a move aimed at strengthening public health institutions.

Speaking during a recent address, the President expressed concern over the widespread practice of civil servants opting for private hospitals despite being covered by state medical aid. “They have government medical aid but they don’t make use of state facilities. You will find them at private hospitals,” she said.

She added that the government intends to start implementing this shift with senior public servants and political office bearers. The goal, according to President Nandi-Ndaitwah, is to direct more attention and resources toward improving public hospitals by increasing their usage.

Government expenditure on medical aid for public servants currently stands at N$3.62 billion, a significant portion of the national health budget. Analysts suggest that a shift in how this money is utilised could bring renewed focus to upgrading public health infrastructure and services.