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Patrick Chitumba
Midlands Bureau
A record 148 nurses graduated at the Mnene School of Nursing and Midwifery’s 84th graduation ceremony in Mberengwa District, Midlands Province, recently.
The students who graduated with diplomas in primary health care nursing and midwifery said they want to make a positive impact in the healthcare sector providing health care services to citizens across the country.
Addressing graduates, Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, said the nurses’ graduation marked a new chapter for the country’s health sector.
“Today’s event is joyous, auspicious and a rare occasion as we witness the graduation of a record 148 nurses for the period 2018 to 2022. The nurses attained an impressive 100 percent pass rate, which is a clear demonstration of dedication, hard work and commitment of the highest level by parents, guardians, management, tutors and students,” he said.
Minister Ncube applauded the Second Republic for transforming the health sector through the provision of infrastructure, equipment, service vehicles, training and deployment of specialists to hospitals and clinics.
He said as a result of the Government’s devolution and decentralisation policy, health institutions including those in what used to be called remote areas, have now been upgraded and equipped to provide quality health services.
“We want to commend the Second Republic for decentralising nurse training to districts that now include Chirumanzu, Mberengwa and Gokwe South, which dovetails with the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind,” said Minister Ncube.
“These efforts support the New Dispensation’s desire to attain health for all by 2025 and the UN Sustainable Development Goal Number Three of good health and wellbeing.”
Government’s engagement and re-engagement policy, he said, has facilitated and bolstered complementary interventions by friendly nations, churches and private sector players as the country gravitates towards the attainment of an upper middle-income society earlier than 2030.
“In this regard, Midlands Province is a proud beneficiary of facilities, plant and equipment among them, the Midlands State University’s National Pathology Research and Diagnostic Centre, construction of Mataga Mini-Hospital, which will soon be commissioned by President Mnangagwa, refurbished Zvishavane Hospital and Shurugwi Hospital Private Wards and E-Health facilities set up at Precabe Farm and Post offices,” he said.
Minister Ncube said it was disheartening at times to hear chilling stories of poor patient care at the hands of nurses at some health institutions.
“I am appealing to you my dear graduates to uphold the Hippocratic oath to save life so that you become a different crop of nurses from those people are complaining about,” he said.
Midlands Provincial Medical Director, Dr Marry Muchekeza, encouraged the nurses to embrace lifelong learning, emphasising the dynamic nature of the healthcare industry.
“As you mark this milestone, remember that the world of healthcare is constantly evolving, with new developments emerging every hour,” she said.
Dr Muchekeza urged health workers to remain inquisitive, pursue ongoing learning, skills-building and always aim for outstanding performance.
“Don’t stop at these accomplishments, push beyond your boundaries and make a profound difference in the lives of patients and communities, driving meaningful change and transformation,” she said.
Online Reporter