Standard Bank and MVA Fund Revamp the Katutura Hospital Emergency Unit

In the heart of Namibia, the call for universal access to quality healthcare rings loudly. It’s a call not just for change but for a commitment to the very essence of humanity: the right to health. Standard Bank Namibia in partnership with the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) heard this call, and in an unprecedented gesture, embarked on a journey to make this right a reality.

At a well-attended event at the Katutura Hospital in Windhoek on 1 November 2023, Standard Bank and MVA unveiled a transformative project, Project 9682 - “You Are More Than a Number” referring to the MVA Fund’s emergency number. In a unique public private partnership, the Blue Bank and the MVA Fund renovated the Katutura State Hospital Emergency Unit to the tune of N$12.6 million. The revamp resulted in a whole new modern look along with new furniture and medical equipment. The facility is the busiest emergency care unit in the country, seeing up to 200 patients a day. This project is therefore more than just a mission; it’s a promise, a pledge to the people of Namibia, that their well-being matters, and that their health is not a privilege but a fundamental right.

Head of State, his Excellency Dr. Hage Geingob, Minister of Health, Honourable Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, and many other notable public figures graced the festive opening of the renovated unit. In his address, His Excellency commended the work done by Standard Bank and MVA Fund two powerhouse entities for the Namibian people, and urged other corporates to follow their lead. Standard Bank Namibia and the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund came together with a shared vision: to provide access to quality healthcare to every Namibian. This partnership was not simply an alliance; it was a moral obligation, a response to the needs of the community. Together, these entities planted a seed that has grown into a blossoming state-of-the-art emergency unit.

Standard Bank Namibia’s purpose extends far beyond the realms of banking. Their philosophy, “Namibia is our home, we drive her growth,” echoes a resounding commitment to empowering the people of Namibia in the spirit of Harambee. They feel that the success of the bank is intricately tied to the success of the Namibian House. As a result, Standard Bank believes in a Namibia that stands for equality and access to quality healthcare, regardless of background or socio-economic status. The MVA Fund’s purpose is to fulfil its role as a responsible corporate citizen, prioritizing the well-being of its stakeholders and the communities it serves. Their deeply caring ethos is rooted in their vision to ‘provide peace of mind to all crash victims’. Which is why they are ‘driven to lend a helping hand.’

The inauguration of this healthcare facility is not just an event; it’s the dawn of a new era. It signifies the commitment to a better, more equal future, where quality healthcare is recognized as a fundamental right, not a privilege and where State hospitals offer the same level of care as private clinics. It’s a significant step towards realizing this right for every member of the community.

At the heart of this project is the belief that every individual is more than just a number; they are part of a unique community with boundless potential. It’s a call for unity, where together, we can bring about lasting change. Doctors and nurses, the unsung heroes of healthcare now have a facility that matches their dedication and commitment. They have a place where they can provide the best care possible without any compromises. The renovated emergency unit stands as a testament to the essential role they play in saving lives.

In the words of Standard Bank Chief Executive Erwin Tjipuka, “You are more than just a number; you are the hope of a Nation.” Join us in this journey towards a healthier and more promising Namibia.

For more information about Project 9682 and Standard Bank Namibia and MVA Fund’s commitment to the community, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]