10/09/2026
MINISTRY OF HEALTH CELEBRATES FIRST MRI MACHINE IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH SECTOR SINCE INDEPENDENCE 🎉🎊
History has been made!
Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, represented by the Hon. Minister in the Presidency, Dr. Charles Mubita, today officially inaugurated the first state MRI machine since Independence. MHSS is systematically bringing services previously unavailable in the public sector into the public health system, drastically improving the quality of healthcare afforded to Namibians everyday.
For the first time since Independence, MHSS now has its own dedicated MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine and unit for the public health sector, marking a transformative milestone in Namibia’s healthcare journey.
For decades, the absence of an MRI machine within the public health system meant that thousands of patients requiring advanced diagnostic imaging had to be referred to private healthcare facilities. As a result, over 80 million Namibian dollars in the past 4 years alone was spent outsourcing MRI services to private facilities. Millions of dollars that can be better spent improving the public healthcare system to advance UHC. While these referrals provided an important service, they also placed a significant financial burden on the State and often resulted in delays for patients awaiting critical diagnoses.
An MRI is one of the most advanced diagnostic imaging tools available in modern medicine. It uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce highly detailed images of organs, soft tissues, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, the brain and the spinal cord, without using ionising radiation. MRI scans are widely used to help diagnose and monitor conditions such as strokes, brain tumours, spinal injuries, multiple sclerosis, joint and ligament injuries, certain cancers, heart disease and many other complex medical conditions.
“The acquisition of this MRI machine is an investment in better healthcare outcomes, earlier diagnosis, faster treatment, improved patient care, and greater dignity for the Namibian people. It will strengthen the capacity of our healthcare professionals, reduce reliance on private service providers, improve access to advanced diagnostic services for ordinary citizens, and contribute to long-term savings for the public health system.” Said. Hon. Dr. Luvindao
“The purchase, fully funded by the Government with no external aid, speaks to NDP 6. This milestone demonstrates the Government’s commitment to modernizing healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to specialist services, and ensuring that quality healthcare is available to all Namibians regardless of their socioeconomic status.” Concluded. Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
History has been made 🎉
