Public Service Medical Aid Scheme beneficiaries continue to opt for private healthcare due to long waiting times and limited access to specialists in public health facilities, a new survey has found.

The findings, released by the Ministry of Health and Social Services , are based on responses from 2 949 members surveyed between 3 and 11 March.

Nearly 60% of respondents cited shorter waiting times and the availability of specialists as the main reasons for choosing private providers, while access to diagnostic services was also identified as a key factor.

Despite this shift, public hospitals remain central to service delivery. More than 40% of respondents said they prefer Windhoek Central Hospital, highlighting continued reliance on major state facilities.

The survey points to infrastructure as the biggest barrier to improving confidence in the public system. About 44.3% of respondents said better infrastructure and medical equipment would increase their confidence, while 27.8% called for more specialists.

Respondents also raised concerns about accountability and service standards, calling for stronger monitoring and clearer timelines for service delivery.

Waiting times remain a key pressure point. More than half of those surveyed said they expect to be attended to within 30 minutes, while 37.8% indicated they would accept waiting times of up to one hour.

The survey also reflects growing openness to digital health solutions, with 43% of respondents willing to use such services for non-critical care, although a significant portion remains uncertain.

The ministry says the findings will be used to guide reforms, improve service delivery and address systemic gaps in public healthcare.

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Source: https://www.namibian.com.na/long-waits-shortages-push-psemas-patients-to-private-care/