More than 2,600 nursing and midwifery graduates have failed the national exam to practice in Namibia since last year, according to the Health Professions Councils of Namibia (HPCNA). The high failure rate has intensified concerns about the quality of nursing training in the country.
The HPCNA reported that the failed candidates represent a significant portion of recent graduates, though exact percentages were not specified. The council has called for a review of training curricula and teaching standards at nursing schools across Namibia.
Stakeholders, including the Namibian Nursing Association, have urged the government to investigate the root causes. Some educators point to inadequate clinical exposure and resource shortages as contributing factors.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has acknowledged the issue and promised to work with training institutions to improve pass rates. No specific timeline for reforms has been announced.
