IPC raises concerns over dedicated forensic medical officers shortage 

By: Selma Taapopi

IPC Parliamentarian Nashinge has raised concerns over the continued reliance on seconded medical officers to conduct forensic post-mortems in the Khomas as well as, Oshana and Oshikoto Regions. 

He says this is despite the formal establishment in Windhoek of a Namibian Police forensic pathology division under the command of a deputy commissioner. 

Nashinge said that the current arrangement, in which medical officers are seconded from the health ministry, continues to affect the forensic services efficiency. 

He said this practice affects case turnaround times, contributes to docket backlogs and creates disparities in welfare benefits and compensation between Nampol members and seconded medical personnel. 

He further questioned what plans are in place to establish permanent, forensically trained medical officer posts within Nampol to serve mortuaries in the city of Windhoek, as well as Oshakati and Omuthiya. 

Nashinge also sought clarity on the inter-ministerial framework between the ministry of home affairs and the ministry of health and social services to coordinate the deployment of forensic pathology personnel. 

Nashinge said he will direct these concerns about home affairs minister, Lucia Ipumbu, in the National Assembly when Parliament resumes in September.

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