A Lack of Doctors in Namibia

The University of Namibia's School of Medicine should reportedly not be accredited, according to the Health Professional Council of Namibia. The first graduating class was meant to be accredited in 2014, however some of the requirements necessary for passing were not met according to a government inspection committee. The graduating class of 50 students was required to wait 2 years to graduate as a result of this.


Welwitschia Hospital


Perhaps this is why the Namibian government has consistently reported a lack of doctors for several years. The current doctor-to-patient ratio is at an estimated one doctor for every 5000 patients, which is below 50%. Twenty-three out of the 35 hospitals in the country are demanding more specialists. Of these, only 7 hospitals have an acceptable patient to doctor ratio.

Perhaps a dysfunctional medical school is to be blamed for the small availability of doctors. This problem will not be alleviated especially considering that the Health Professional Council wishes to extend the number of schooling years from 5 to 6. Namibia currently has 11,000 doctors, many of which refuse to take on new shadowees due to 'poor medical training.'


-Michelle Howard, 3/4

References:
https://www.namibian.com.na/65015/read/Govt-needs-470-doctors-to-meet-standards
https://www.namibian.com.na/index.php?id=128575&page=archive-read
http://www.fibroidcare.co.za/namibia-welwitschia-hospital/