Namibia Advances Healthcare Quality with Strategic Meeting on National Standards

Significant progress has been made, with HQS implemented in ten hospitals by 2023, a substantial increase from zero (26%), and extended to nine primary healthcare (PHC) facilities (3%) in 2024.

In 2022, the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) of Namibia developed the National Quality Policy and Strategy (NQPS) and the National Healthcare Facilities Quality Standards (HQS) to enhance healthcare service quality. These initiatives aim to ensure consistent, effective, and patient-centered care delivery across all hospitals, thereby improving overall health outcomes.

On May 23, 2024, a one-day sensitization meeting was held in Windhoek, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and funded by the Government of Japan. The meeting focused on increasing access to quality nutrition and protection services for vulnerable populations, including women and children in the Omaheke, Khomas, and Kunene regions. The MoHSS Quality Assurance Division (QAD) presented updates on the implementation progress of NQPS and HQS to various national MoHSS directorates and sought further support to address identified gaps.

Significant progress has been made, with HQS implemented in ten hospitals by 2023, a substantial increase from zero (26%), and extended to nine primary healthcare (PHC) facilities (3%) in 2024. This initiative aims to prepare these facilities for external accreditation by an international body in 2025, marking a significant advancement in institutional healthcare quality.

The key discussion points at the meeting centered on four strategic objectives: improving quality management systems, enhancing patient and healthcare worker safety, promoting client-centered care, and advancing clinical practices. The progress made in implementing the Quality Healthcare Standards across ten selected hospitals was also shared.

The meeting's outcomes were notably constructive, with key recommendations focusing on the sustainability of quality improvement initiatives at national, regional, and district levels. A proposal was made to establish a dedicated Quality Management (QM) Directorate within MoHSS. Participants emphasized the importance of further engagement within the MoHSS to enhance dissemination and facilitate support for ongoing Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives. Sharing these results with the directorates is crucial as it not only demonstrates the impact of implementing HQS but also reinforces the collective commitment to achieving MoHSS's overall vision of being the leading provider of quality healthcare and social services according to international standards.

The meeting was attended by 15 participants from various MoHSS directorates and WHO.