The Namibia Institute of Pathology Limited (NIP) is set to transform the country’s diagnostic landscape with the implementation of a multishift system aligned to its strategic initiative of operationalizing the HubSpoke-Node Operating Model.
This model includes the establishment of Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and thus the rollout of 24-hour laboratory operations at key sites across Namibia. The multishift system will be implemented in phases, starting this financial year with high testing volumes laboratories such as the National Reference Laboratory at Windhoek Central Referral Hospital, Oshakati, Rundu, Onandjokwe, amongst others. When implemented, these laboratories will operate on a two- or three-shift system to ensure continuous service delivery.
Therefore, this development is a direct response to increasing test volumes and the need to expand operational capacity without compromising turnaround times or service quality. Currently, most NIP laboratories operate on a single-shift system, leading to limited working hours and high external referral costs. Analysis of historical trends shows rising testing demand with no corresponding increase in capacity.
The multishift system will enable NIP to absorb more in-house testing, reduce dependency on outsourced services, and ultimately improve client satisfaction. The introduction of CoEs will further strengthen NIP’s diagnostic capabilities. These centres will specialize in specific disciplines such as Molecular Medicine and Anatomical Pathology, while serving as regional hubs for continuous testing and research. Thus, decentralization will shorten turnaround times, improve specimen handling, and reduce transport related delays. By maximizing equipment use and balancing workloads, the new model promotes operational efficiency and staff productivity.
Importantly, the multishift system has been designed to comply fully with labour laws and obligations thereof, ensuring that the expansion of services does not compromise employee wellbeing. Stakeholder engagements with key partners are afoot in line with the project plan. According Niita Evaristus, Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer at the NIP, “This integrated approach positions NIP to better meet the nation’s public health demands while fostering innovation, research, and collaboration between clinicians and pathologists.” Through this bold initiative, NIP is not only improving diagnostic operations but also reshaping the future of healthcare in Namibia to ensure timely, reliable, and accessible laboratory services for all.