Looking back at Welwitschia's first decade

1994: The directors of Erongo Primary Health Services identified the need for a primary health care clinic in Walvis Bay. The Erongo Clinic was established in the heart of the industrial area to provide easy access to affordable health care to the community and industry of Walvis Bay. It was soon realized that the clinic was not equipped to treat more serious conditions and in

1995 the Welwitschia Medical Centre was founded and elaborate planning was done for the establishment of a one-stop medical centre.

1996: Completion of the first phase of Welwitschia Medical Centre consisting of medical and dental consulting rooms, an X-ray department, Laboratory, Physiotherapy Unit and Medical Aid Office.

1997: The need for a private hospital in Walvis Bay arises.

1998: The first phase of Welwitschia Hospital is officially opened on the 16th October by His Excellency, Dr. Sam Nujoma, President of the Republic of Namibia.

1999: Welwitschia Medical Centre grows with the addition of offices for Medical Aid companies and pharmaceutical wholesaler, consulting block for Optometrist, Veterinary Clinic, bigger Physiotherapy Unit and further extension to Welwitschia Hospital. Ambulance services are now based at the centre.

2000: Enlargement to Welwitschia Hospital’s Casualty Department; Laser- and laparoscopic surgery are introduced; Welwitschia Hospital invests in the first 3-Dimensional Ultrasound equipment. Erongo Medical Services, holding company of Welwitschia Hospital, donates land next to the hospital for the building of the Sunshine Centre, a training centre for the disabled.

2001: The only Hyperbaric Treatment Centre in Namibia is officially inaugurated at Welwitschia Hospital by the Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Libertina Amathila. Walvis Bay becomes the first and only harbour town on the west coast of Africa to offer such a facility. Paediatric wards are added to the Welwitschia Hospital and Former Miss Universe Michelle McLean opens the first hospital based Natural Birth Unit with delivery pool for underwater deliveries.

2003: Erongo Medical Services becomes a national contender. Through smart partnerships and a combined vision, the development of Ongwediva Medipark in the Oshana region becomes a reality. This private medical development is based on the proven, successful concept of the one-stop Welwitschia Medical Centre in Walvis Bay. The Ongwediva Medipark will eventually consist of a private hospital of 120 beds, medical and dental consulting rooms and other Para-medical services.

2004: A radiology department is established at Welwitschia Hospital and computerized Tomography (CT) facilities are added to an existing upmarket X-ray facility.

2005: Welwitschia Medical Centre is renamed Walvis Bay Medipark. Successful negotiations with the local Authority result in an additional adjacent property being made available for the extension of the medical centre.

The Welwitschia Hospital is enlarged to a 50-bed hospital with additional construction of service areas such as new kitchen, laundry and staff rooms. Construction of the first phase of the Ongwediva Medipark starts. The initial phase of this medical centre consists of a 50- bed, 2 operating theatre private hospital, dental and medical consulting rooms, retail pharmacy, laboratories, mortuary and offices.

2006: Welwitschia hospital is enlarged with the addition of two more operating theatres. With the international company Fresenius Welwitschia Hospital established the first Renal Dialysis Centre outside the capital of Windhoek. A new retail pharmacy and Biokinetic Rehabilitation Centre is added to the Walvis Bay Medipark.

2007: Mammography Unit is added to the Welwitschia Hospital radiology department. Additional para-medical services are established at Walvis Bay Medipark: Physiotherapy & Aqua Therapy; Occupational Health Rehabilitation Services; Occupational Health Services and further Biokinetic practice. The first phase of Ongwediva Medipark is officially opened on 23rd May by His Excellency, Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of the Republic of Namibia.

2008: Further medical and dental consulting rooms are established at Walvis Bay Medipark. 16th October 2008: Welwitschia Hospital celebrates its 10th Birthday and continues to provide “Quality Care by People who Care”.