The St. Mary's Odibo Health Centre was established as a full-fledged hospital in 1925 and managed under the Anglican Medical Services. During the 1960s and 1970s the renowned medical practitioners such as Dr Ivor Jardine, an eye specialist and surgeon, reputed for his efficiency of surgery precision and compassionate attention patients served the St. Mary's Odibo Hospital with brilliance. The hospital was endowed with surgery and x-ray facilities that incorporated the latest developments of the time. However, it closed in 1974 due to the war of liberation. While it was established as a hospital, it was reopened after independence as a health centre, the status it holds till today. Today, the St Mary's Odibo Health Centre has a capacity of 45 beds and a staff compliment of 43 personnel. Currently the Health Centre is in the process of being transferred to the Ministry of Health and Social Services.

The Maternity Shelter

The Penehupifo Pohamba Maternal Shelter is part of the Health Centre was opened on 22 October 2021. The Shelter is named after Namibia's Former First Lady, Madam Penehupifo Pohamba was instrumental in raising funds for the construction of the Maternal Shelter. The need for a Maternal Shelter at St Mary's Odibo Mission Centre developed from and with the decision and plans to transfer maternal services from Engela Hospital back to St Mary's Odibo Health Centre. Historically St Mary's Odibo had a hospital with an effective maternity ward but was closed by the apartheid government in 1974. After Namibia's independence the St Mary's Odibo hospital was re-opened, but as Health Centre and still providing twenty-four hours services, including maternal services. Read more....