Two years ago, the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) embarked on its transformation journey with the development of its Integrated Strategic Business Plan (ISBP) 2022-2027, named “Za Tuka”, which means “the plane has taken off” in Rukwangari.
This ambitious five-year plan has clearly proven its worth, delivering significant progress towards the goal of optimizing shareholder value and strengthening NIP's role as a leading force in Namibia's healthcare sector.
As NIP looks ahead to the remaining three years of its plan, it remains steadfast in its commitment to providing excellent service and bringing about positive change in the healthcare sector.
From our own perspective, a functional health service system must incorporate efficient laboratory services.
Without vital laboratory tests, it is impossible for Namibia's health sector to provide effective treatment to patients.
By extension, pathology service providers like NIP are an essential and necessary part of a thriving society and economy whose national goal is for every individual to lead a dignified and decent life.
To put this in perspective, studies have shown that 70% of clinical treatment decisions are based on test results.
This highlights the importance of skilled pathology services in the medical community.
With this understanding at the core of NIP’s operations and a proven track record of serving the pathology industry for 23 years, our transformation journey is rooted in a prudent imperative to contribute to Namibia’s healthcare delivery sector and deliver the necessary excellence as a commercial public enterprise poised to contribute significantly to Namibia’s economic landscape through the path of a healthy nation.
Za Tuka represents NIP’s commitment to transformation, placing operational excellence at the core of what it does.
NIP leadership understands the dual responsibility of serving public health needs while ensuring financial viability.
The Tuka Plan addresses both aspects through its strategic objectives.
To date, the transformation plan has achieved significant successes, including:
Leaping ahead with centers of excellence: This strategic focus will lead to a future-proofed NIP through the implementation of a hub-spoke-node model. This innovative approach will see the establishment of six regional centers of excellence (CoEs) specializing in different medical testing disciplines. Each CoE will be equipped with cutting-edge technology and highly skilled experts to ensure excellence in service delivery across Namibia. The Windhoek Central Reference Laboratory is gearing up to launch the first CoE, the Molecular Medicine CoE. Equipped with state-of-the-art automated testing equipment, the centre is expected to open in 2025.
Updating and modernizing testing technology: NIP recognizes the need to replace aging equipment. A five-year equipment replacement plan has already seen the delivery of over 54 pieces of equipment, with more due to be delivered this year.
Gaining supply chain expertise: An expert was hired in January 2024 to address supply chain and inventory management challenges and ensure a continuous supply of medical supplies.
Quality comes first: NIP’s unwavering commitment to quality is reflected in its ongoing investment in international accreditation. The quality award recently won by Namibia is testament to this commitment.
Adapting for the digital age: NIP moved to a new web-based laboratory information system (Meditech Expanse) on April 1, 2024, which will improve patients' access to laboratory results, including through mobile devices. More than 300 telemedicine facilities will be equipped with devices for this purpose.
Having achieved these results through Za Tuka, we will pursue further innovation in this and future financial years.
Since the 1980s, the medical laboratory environment has undergone dramatic and rapid innovation.
The scope and complexity of available tests and services has expanded significantly, and this trend is expected to continue.
Clinical laboratory technology is often at the forefront of medical developments, and in the future, medical testing technology may have an even greater impact on healthcare delivery.
Innovation is crucial in healthcare, benefiting both providers and patients, especially when it is more efficient than current methods.
In response, NIP is currently pursuing a scientific research agenda that is essential to determining the most effective treatments for patients, discovering new treatments, and maintaining our leadership position in medical testing technology and research.
As a leading medical testing services provider, NIP takes great pride in the quality of its services and its role in saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in Namibia.
NIP aims to improve the overall health and wellbeing of all Namibians through continuous innovation, dissemination of knowledge and dedication to excellent service.
Za Tuka’s transformation journey is well underway and the future looks bright for NIP and Namibia’s healthcare sector.
- * Niita Evaristus is the Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer at the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP).
Stay up to date with The Namibian, your source of trusted journalism. In-depth reporting and opinion at your fingertips. N$85 per monthInvest in journalism, invest in democracy.
Subscribe now!
