Windhoek: Deputy Minister of International Relations and Trade, Jenelly Matundu, has called for careful implementation of 'Vision April 2026' while backing the 2026/2027 budget during Parliament's general debate on Tuesday. Public health reforms under the Vision April 2026 directive must be fully implemented and properly assessed before rollout to avoid setbacks, Matundu cautioned.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Matundu emphasized the importance of addressing challenges such as shortages of medicines, medical equipment, infrastructure gaps, and human resources in the public health sector. She stressed that these issues need resolution before implementing the initiative intended to improve service quality in public health facilities.

During her address in Parliament, Matundu used the metaphor of not moving into a house still under construction to illustrate the need for thorough preparation. She warned against prematurely transferring Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (PSEMAS) members into public facilities, which could lead to setbacks.

She urged the government to prevent reversing progress by ensuring that the Ministry of Health and Social Services conducts a comprehensive assessment before moving forward. Matundu also advocated for improved service delivery across public health facilities, emphasizing reduced waiting times and equal treatment for all patients.

Matundu highlighted the importance of public pharmacies supporting each other to ensure patients receive their prescribed treatments, without referrals to private pharmacies. She further stressed the need for transparency regarding costs at State hospitals, particularly in private wards, where patients should be informed of charges in advance.

Expressing her support for the 2026/2027 Appropriation Bill, Matundu described it as crucial for advancing Namibia's development agenda. She welcomed the Vision April 2026 directive introduced by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, which aims to align public health services with private sector standards. She also praised the recruitment of over 2,300 health workers since December 2025 as a significant advancement.

On economic matters, Matundu noted Namibia's continued attractiveness to investors, supported by NDP6, which focuses on industrialization, value addition, and trade development. She concluded by reaffirming her support for the Appropriation Bill, expressing confidence in its potential to improve service delivery and foster economic growth.