Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino in GWERU
GOVERNMENT is strengthening measures to combat psychological burnout among healthcare workers across the country’s health institutions to ensure they remain fit and comfortable in the workplace, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora has said.
Speaking at the close of the inaugural week-long Health Sector Wellness Festival, which drew delegates from all the country’s 10 provinces, Dr Mombeshora said safeguarding the physical and mental wellbeing of frontline healthcare workers was critical to sustaining an efficient health delivery system.
“Much about wellness has been built on theory. However, this festival gave us a shift into a holistic wellness approach at the institutional level and asked the critical question: ‘Who cares for the caregiver?’
“If our frontline workers are not fit, if they are frail, our health care system will not function. We need to ensure the mental health and wellness of our healthcare workers is protected by combating psychological burnout,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora directed all public health institutions to allocate annual budgets for staff wellness programmes, establish state-of-the-art multipurpose facilities for employees and begin planning early for future wellness festivals.
He urged public and private healthcare institutions to work together instead of operating in silos by jointly organising wellness programmes and related activities.
The Minister also expressed gratitude to First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, through her philanthropic organisation, Angel of Hope, for supporting the festival and providing state-of-the-art health screening facilities.
Held under the theme, “Stronger Together, Healthier Together,” the festival featured sporting activities, lectures and interactive sessions aimed at promoting the wellbeing of healthcare workers.
“The presentations made here proved the need to build an unbreakable team spirit across all healthcare institutions. As we look to the future we must break down institutional silos.
“All health institutions should be integrated in the next festival. We will continue partnering with all stakeholders to make sure that our messages on wellness reach all households,” he said.
The inaugural festival was organised by the Health Service Commission (HSC) in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care as part of efforts under Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) to build a resilient, motivated healthcare workforce.
HSC Secretary Dr Christopher Pasi commended organisers, stakeholders and participants for demonstrating unity and commitment towards building a healthier nation.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Kwidini, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care Honourable Discent Bajila, and other senior Government officials.
