THE Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) says the opening of a N$15 million industrial innovation hub in the Erongo region will go a long way in reducing over reliance on imports and promoting local manufacturing.
Speaking at the recent inauguration of the NIP innovation hub for laboratory consumables, the institute’s Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Vaino Shivute said the move now allows them to produce laboratory consumables including specimen tubes, vials, and other necessities locally.
“No longer will we wait for external shipments to save lives at our healthcare facilities across our 14 regions. No longer will our health security hinge on distant supply chains. Here, on Namibian soil, we take control of our future and redefine our path towards self- sustenance,” Shivute said.
He said the project is structured in two phases. “Phase One, now underway, focuses on producing non-additive tubes, such as stool/urine cups, in an ISO7/ISO8 cleanroom facility. With an investment of just under N$15 million to-date, including slightly over N$3 million machinery grant from the German government and European Union through the GIZ, the Innovation hub has a capacity of producing 5.5 million tubes yearly,” he said.
Shivute said phase two of the project will see an increase in machinery capacity to introduce additive-filled tubes like serum separators. He said the new facility will serve both Namibia and the SADC region’s 300 million people. NIP Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kapena Tjombonde said the establishment of Namibia’s first ever medical-grade injection moulding facility is a bold answer to many challenges that the country faces today. “We have undertaken to mold the future of healthcare. This production plant is testimony of that, it is our pride, it is National pride,” she said.
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