Safety hazards flagged at rallies

Woman faints at political rally
The health ministry says there are no laws in place to compel organisers of large public events to ensure medical personnel are on standby.
Kenya Kambowe
A lack of medical services such as ambulances and medical professionals at political gatherings that often attract thousands of people is reportedly endangering the lives of ordinary Namibians.

Political rallies, especially those coupled with musical shows, can last up to eight hours.

Many among the crowd have been ferried in from different constituencies, and some haven't eaten for hours.

Some attendees are pensioners on medication, and as they endure the long hours in the heat and without food, their health could be affected.

Last Saturday, a Namibian Sun reporter observed a young woman at the Swapo star rally in Omuthiya faint, fall from her chair and lie on the ground for about 20 minutes before receiving medical attention.

The event was held at the Omuthiya Recreational Park, less than 100 metres from Omuthiya Private Hospital.

Namibian Sun was reliably informed that around four people fainted at the event, which was attended by an estimated 20 000 people.

When asked for comment, Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa declined to respond to questions on the matter.

Meanwhile, most political parties, if not all, fail to ensure that medical facilities are on hand at big events.

No law

According to health ministry executive Ben Nangombe, no law requires organisers of large gatherings to ensure medical services, such as ambulances or healthcare professionals, are on standby.

“There is no law about whether a public gathering should be attended to by an ambulance,” Nangombe said.

"But organisers would necessarily be urged to make sure that at least some form of caution is taken to ensure that in instances where, for example, a medical emergency arises, it can be attended to promptly. But there's no law to that effect," he said.

Nangombe urged organisers, "whether it's a political rally, a sports event, it's whatever, people should take the necessary caution to ensure that in cases of emergencies, an emergency can be attended to."

He added: "We would urge that people make sure that, for example, there are telephone numbers for emergency health providers, whether public or private, just in case of an eventuality.”

Keep hydrated

Nangombe said with hot weather conditions, people attending events and event organisers should ensure enough water is available to avoid dehydration.

“The organisers of events should at least make sure that there's water available for people to drink. It's a hot season; people can get easily dehydrated."

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-22

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