Namibia Institute of Pathology limited elevates diagnostic testing

Advancements
Critical tests such as HIV Early Infant Diagnosis, Hepatitis E, Troponin T, D-Dimer, and Prostate Specific Antigen have been rolled out in remote labs from Opuwo and Okahao to Khorixas and Karasburg.
STAFF REPORTER
  • 2 Days Ago
The Namibia Institute of Pathology Limited (NIP) has taken a bold step to enhance its diagnostic capabilities through its Equipment Replacement Plan (ERP), to optimize its laboratory network by replacing outdated equipment with state-of-the-art technology—ensuring faster, more efficient, and high-precision laboratory diagnostics across Namibia.



This transformational project is a key pillar of its Integrated Strategic Business Plan (ISBP) 2022–2027. According to the NIP CEO Kapena Tjombonde, over the past three years, the NIP has significantly enhanced healthcare accessibility by decentralising a suite of critical diagnostic tests across its national laboratory network.



Reference is made to high-demand tests such as Blood Grouping and RH, RPR, Hepatitis E IgM, and COVID-19 tests—once centralised at NIP Windhoek—have now been introduced to additional laboratories, improving turnaround times and alleviating pressure on centralized facilities. This initiative is part of NIP’s broader hub-spoke- node strategy to fortify diagnostic capacity in regions that previously relied heavily on referral systems.



“In a strategic push to reach underserved communities, NIP extended its test menu to remote node laboratories nationwide,” said Tjombonde.



Critical tests such as HIV Early Infant Diagnosis, Hepatitis E, Troponin T, D-Dimer, and Prostate Specific Antigen have been rolled out in remote labs from Opuwo and Okahao to Khorixas and Karasburg.





This expansion and decentralisation enable quicker clinical decisions, particularly in critical and time-sensitive cases, while also reducing logistical burdens on the healthcare system. These advancements underscore NIP’s commitment to equitable healthcare delivery through continuous innovation and strategic decentralisation.





For the just ended 2024/2025 financial year, NIP’s ERP target was set at 40%, which meant replacing 22 out of 38 instruments across its 37 networks of laboratories, in all 14 regions of the country. To date, 21 instruments have been successfully replaced, achieving a 54% replacement rate.





By 2027, NIP will have redefined the diagnostic landscape, setting new standards in medical testing.