Dear Colleagues, Please take note of the recent Observer article (2nd Oct 2025). Once again, the narrative suggests that “doctors and pharmacies are taking the money,” using an image of a practitioner stuffing cash into his coat. NAMFISA’s figures are presented to confirm that 70% of healthcare spend goes to hospitals, pharmacies, specialists, and GPs – which is normal, since these are the backbone of care delivery. Yet, what is reported but not highlighted is the N$1 billion surplus created in 2024 and another N$200 million surplus in the first quarter of 2025, much of which benefits funds and administrators, not patients or providers. At the same time, NAMFISA endorsed NAMMED’s anti-competitive “preferred provider” list who claim NAMAF 150% or less, despite clear risks for them under the Competition Act. NPPF has formally objected to this, but the official narrative is being reinforced in the media while practitioners are left carrying the blame. This makes the HealthMan Cost Study more urgent than ever. Unless the healthcare sector present real cost data, NAMAF and the Funds will continue shaping the public perception that providers are the problem, while benefits are cut patients pay more and providers earn less. We urgently need 10 more completed surveys (the financial statements sent to NAMRA) from each of the following groups before 31 October 2025: • General Practitioners • Specialists (except Ophthalmologists, Radiologists, Pathologists) • Audiologists / Speech Therapists • Physiotherapists • Occupational Therapists • Clinical Psychologists • Radiographers During this week HealthMan received ZERO new surveys. Without your input, the study cannot be representative, and the sector risks losing its ability to defend itself against distorted narratives. Your participation is the only way to protect the sustainability of private practice in Namibia. Please complete the survey this coming week and encourage colleagues in your field to do the same. With appreciation from the NPPF Team. Dr Jürgen Hoffmann CEO: NAMIBIA PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS FORUM Cell: 081 1242884 Email: ceo@nppf.info
Doctors, pharmacists claimed N$3.6 billion from medical aids
https://www.observer24.com.na/doctors-pharmacists-claimed-n3-6-billion-from-medical-aids/
