Assessing healthcare accessibility and quality for Namibian learners under the National School Health Programme

Abstract

This study delved into the intricate landscape of analysing the National School Health Policy in Namibia. By gathering data from the Khomas, Oshana, and Kavango regions, this research analysed the perspectives of various stakeholders on the execution of the policy. Foucault’s theory of Power Relations and Talcott Parson’s Social Action provided the appropriate theoretical conceptual tools to unearth inequalities in the health policy implementation in Namibia. Power was considered a system that was used to suppress learners from accessing quality health care. Methodologically, a mixed approach was employed to unearth gaps in the challenges and successes of implementing the National School Health Policy. Through interviews and focus group discussions, the study highlighted the scarcity of essential resources and personnel dedicated to school health programmes, leading to potential gaps in health service provision. The prevalent inequalities in the health sector emerged when learners were insufficiently informed about their entitlements to medical care accessibility within the school premises. Generally, there was a positive attitude toward the policy's implementation evidence among stakeholders. Nevertheless, despite this attitude, inadequate accessibility of health care services among learners was rampant in Namibia. Nonetheless, areas necessitating increased attention became apparent, such as enhancing awareness across all groups involved in school health initiatives and to pave the way for enhanced effectiveness, strategic recommendations were proposed such as addressing the communication ambiguities. These included the enhancement of communication channels between educators, administrators, and parents, ensuring ample availability of resources and personnel, including an adequate number of trained nurses, with requisite governmental support. Moreover, tackling barriers stemming from geographical distances or financial constraints that limit healthcare access emerged as a crucial facet of policy improvement.