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Mkhululi Ncube, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE National Army (ZNA) Chief of Staff Quartermaster Staff, Major General Hlanganani Dube, has implored members of the uniformed forces to discharge their duties with due diligence and align their tasks with the national interest to buttress the ongoing developmental transformation.
He was speaking during a recent colorful graduation parade of members of the uniformed forces who underwent intensive health training at the Health Services Medical Training School at lmbizo Barracks on the outskirts of Bulawayo.
The 150 officers graduated in four courses namely: Registered General Nursing, which had 40 students, State Certified Traumatology Nursing with 41 students, Environmental Health with 23 students and Medical Assistants class three with 46 students.
These were drawn from the Zimbabwe National Army, Airforce of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Republic Police, and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service.
Unlike civilian nurses who graduate in white uniforms, the unformed health staffers wore their combat uniform as theirs is a unique service, offering health support to members of the armed forces during peaceful and war times and to the whole population when the situation demands.
As such, Maj Gen Dube said discipline was at the core of their discharge of duty and warned the graduates against any form of malpractice.
“I urge you all to discharge your duties diligently and to the best of your scope of practice and competence. Let there be no room for malpractice and dishonesty as it puts the lives of your fellow service men and women at risk,” he said.
“Pilferage of medicines and dressings shall not be tolerated and your commanders are not going to condone such actions. You are strongly warned to desist from such acts of dishonesty as stern disciplinary measures will be taken against the offenders.”
Maj Gen Dube challenged the staff to embrace the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which advocates for health and well-being for health as one of the priority areas that needs special attention.
He further implored the health staffers to develop an interest in research as a way of meeting new health trends and fusing these with solutions to meet the local context.
“I urge you to come up with solutions to health challenges. Solutions in the Zimbabwean context and setting, taking into account our unique social, economic, cultural diversity and values,” Maj Gen Dube.
“As health care workers you must be ready to provide your services during health emergencies and natural disasters. Therefore, the time has come for you to assume greater responsibilities as taught before.
“The real working world demands good judgment for health care workers.”
Maj Gen Dube said gender equality remains at the core of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and pledged that female soldiers will receive equal opportunities as their male counterparts.
Of the 150 graduates, 61 were females an increase from last year`s 42 with 89 being males.-@themkhust
Online Reporter