Renthia Kaimbi
The House Johannesson Palliative Care Centre has opened in Swakopmund to support patients with life-threatening illnesses in the Erongo region.
Erongo governor Nathalia |Goagoses inaugurated the 10-bed facility on Friday. She delivered the keynote address on behalf of the minister of health and social services. Esperance Luvindao also participated in the ceremony by cutting the ribbon to mark the opening.
She said the facility expands access to cancer and palliative care services outside Windhoek.
“This facility is more than a building. It is a blueprint for the future of Namibian healthcare and a shining example of a functional public-private partnership,” |Goagoses said, reading from the minister’s speech.
The centre was established by the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) as an extension of its Windhoek unit.
The programme started in 2022 and began operating in 2024. The inauguration confirms the facility’s presence in the region.
The premises were donated by the late Heiko Berens of Swakopmund.
The project has received support from the private sector. Langer Heinrich Uranium contributed more than N$2 million to the project.
Fundraising efforts have reached about N$7 million so far. The programme has a target of N$10 million to support its long-term operations.
|Goagoses said palliative care plays an important role in healthcare.
“It affirms life and ensures that pain, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, is met with skilled and compassionate support,” she said.
“To the people of Erongo, this centre is your sanctuary. Dignity is not a privilege for the few but a fundamental human right for all.”
Langer Heinrich Uranium Finance manager Bianca Mackenzie said the company partnered with the Cancer Association of Namibia after a request for support in establishing an oncology centre in the region.
“The newly opened Palliative Care Namibia Erongo Centre is a vital community resource that will ensure cancer patients receive compassionate care while upholding their dignity”, Mackenzie said.
The centre is named House Johannesson in recognition of Kurt Johannesson, the former chief executive officer of CAN.
Johannesson thanked donors and said the centre will help families in the region access care closer to home.
“The palliative care centre is very important, a vital need. It is now really in the Erongo region; no need to go to Windhoek.”
The centre will provide specialised care and support for patients and their families in the Erongo region.
