What if I have a medical emergency in Namibia?

One of the questions we get asked frequently is what the medical experience is like here in Namibia. Two weeks ago I had a medical emergency and learned the hard way what it means to be seen at emergency here in Windhoek.

It was evening, about two hours after dinner and I experienced excruciating pain. My husband raced into action to get me to the hospital and about 45 minutes later I was in the waiting room at Lady Pohamba Private Hospital.

When I was wheeled in my situation was explained and I was quickly rushed to the back while my husband completed the paperwork and deposit toward the services they suspected I would need. In the back they started checking my vitals and got me hooked up to IV. They gave me pain medication as quickly as they could after understanding my situation and any allergies. They administered the pain meds via injection and they worked really fast.

The nurses in the hospital were pleasant, respectful, and knew how to do the job. My poor veins kept collapsing due to dehydration and they had to try a few times to find one that worked. They were persistent with me and did all of the needed checks to ensure they knew the issue.

After being assisted in the emergency room, I was wheeled upstairs to another area where they would monitor me overnight and provide further medications. The room was comfortable, warm, and the bed was so comfortable I slept like a baby despite my stress of leaving the kids home without me.

On day two, I was seen by a specialist and booked for a quick outpatient surgery that would take place in the evening. During that day I couldn't eat, but the food looked great.

I was wheeled into surgery, put to sleep, felt no pain, and woke up ready to get back home to the kids about 10:00. They invited me to stay another night rather than go home at night, but I chose to go home to my family and wake up with the kids.

They provided me pain medication, antibiotic, and a probiotic to pair with the antibiotic for health purposes. My follow up was one week later with the specialist that I had seen and his office was also great, and service excellent.

Lady Pohamba was a wonderful hospital to have an emergency in. I completely trusted the medical staff and enjoyed the nurses. I also appreciated that the bill wasn't too high for us as we're uninsured (soon to get insured). The bill was around $30,000 Namibia, which is about $1,700 USD.

Other experiences we've had include taking our daughter to a local pediatrician with an issue she had. She received excellent care, and she had a full hour booked with the doctor. The doctor played with the kids and made it a great environment. We even met his family as they were there in another room waiting for him to be off work for the day. The doctor's bill for that was around $1,200 in Namibian or $68 USD.

My husband and I also see a chiropractor regularly, and he goes to a biokineticist to retrain his muscles and improve his function. We also love the massage therapists here. Everyone we've met in these professions seems highly trained and extremely competent. They also have great energy and lovely offices. It's been a joy to know that we're in good hands here in Namibia.