Empowering Healthcare

State-of-the-Art Endoscopy Machine Transforms Surgical Care in Swakopmund

Less discomfort, less invasive procedures, shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times. This is what one new piece of equipment at the Swakopmund District Hospital is expected to bring. That piece of equipment is an endoscopy machine and it is known for its ability to provide invaluable insights into health.

With the help of the endoscopy medical equipment, physicians are granted a direct view of the inner workings of their patients’ bodies. This leads to better diagnoses and easier access to treatment. It empowers doctors to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. From gastrointestinal disorders and respiratory problems to urinary tract issues and gynaecological abnormalities, this advanced technology provides a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical procedures.

One such machine was recently donated by Debmarine Namibia to the Swakopmund District Hospital in the Erongo Region. A sponsorship that will expand access to high-quality surgical care and will positively affect thousands of individuals in the entire Erongo Region.

Accepting the donation, the Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, noted that this state-of-theart equipment is the second of its kind in public health facilities in the Erongo Region. “With the addition of this advanced technology, the region's capacity to perform specialised surgical procedures is significantly enhanced. As a result, the number of referrals to Windhoek will be greatly reduced, as many patients can now receive treatment locally. Particularly for the Swakopmund District Hospital, which has experienced a high volume of patients with gastric and colon-related conditions, this milestone marks a transformative shift”, he said.

Healthcare is a fundamental sector of society as well as of the economy. The impact of quality healthcare is seen not only on an individual level but also on public health, economic growth and development. As reported by McKinsey and Company, “Better health fuelled global growth over the past century by enlarging the labour force and increasing productivity. In fact, economic historians estimate that improved health accounted for about one-third of the overall GDP-per-capita growth of developed economies in the past century.”

In its dedication to supporting the government's efforts in healthcare and social welfare, Debmarine Namibia made the significant contribution to the Swakopmund District Hospital through the sponsorship of the state-of-the-art endoscopy medical equipment, valued at N$1.2 million, making it a crucial addition to the Ministry of Health and Social Services' resources.

During the handover ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of Debmarine Namibia, Willy Mertens, emphasised the company's commitment to supporting the government's endeavours in providing healthcare and ensuring the social welfare of the population, especially the weak and vulnerable members of society. The CEO expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute modestly to this cause, recognising the profound impact it can have on the lives of individuals and communities.

Debmarine, Namibia's leading marine diamond mining company, is a recognised world leader in marine diamond exploration and mining technology. One of its strategic pillars is the vision to partner with the aim to improve health and education outcomes and increase livelihood opportunities to support community resilience and economic diversification in their partner countries. This recent donation highlights Debmarine Namibia’s commitment to health and wellbeing for all people.