Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu, [email protected]
THERE should be no room for malpractice, dishonesty or the pilferage of medicines in the delivery of health services within the uniformed forces, Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Chief of Staff Administration Major-General Cephas Tinoenda Gurira has said.
Addressing 136 graduands during a combined graduation ceremony at the Health Services Training School at Lookout Masuku Barracks on the outskirts of Bulawayo on Friday, Maj-Gen Gurira urged military health personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity while also leading by example in rejecting drug and substance abuse.
“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 servicemen 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.”
Maj-Gen Gurira said the medical profession demanded commitment, discipline and selflessness, reminding graduates that patients entrusted them with their lives.
“The sick look up to you for sacrifice. The sanctity of life is paramount, and your responsibility is to alleviate suffering and promote recovery,” he said.
Maj-Gen Gurira said the graduands were joining the health services at a time when the country and the region continued to face emerging public health threats.
“Against this background, your graduation today will provide the much-needed human resource to fight and mitigate the distressing effects of emerging diseases like hantavirus and Ebola,” said Maj-Gen Gurira.
“As healthcare practitioners, you must be ready to render your services during health emergencies and natural disasters. The time has come for you to shine and demonstrate the skills you acquired during training.”
Maj-Gen Gurira commended the Health Services Training School for consistently producing highly skilled health professionals, describing the institution as a centre of excellence whose graduates continue to meet local, regional and international standards.
A total of 136 students graduated after completing various military and nationally accredited health training programmes. The graduates were drawn from the ZNA, the Air Force of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service.
The largest group comprised 50 Medical Assistants, who completed an intensive six-month military certificate programme designed to produce cadres capable of providing advanced first aid during field operations and peacetime emergencies in line with the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ concept of operations. The class recorded a 100 percent pass rate.
The State Certified Traumatology Nurse programme produced 28 graduates after a 24-month national certificate course that equips nurses with specialised skills to manage combat injuries, medical emergencies and disaster situations in accordance with Ministry of Health and Child Care and Nurses Council of Zimbabwe standards. The class also achieved a 100 percent pass rate.
Another 28 students graduated as Environmental Health Technicians after completing a diploma programme that began in January 2023. The course prepares graduates to provide preventive and promotive health services while monitoring environmental health risks affecting military personnel and civilians during both peacetime and conflict.
The class likewise attained a 100 percent pass rate.
The Registered General Nurse (RGN) Upgrading Programme saw 30 students graduate after completing a 12-month national diploma designed to upgrade State Certified Traumatology Nurses from certificate to diploma level.
During their training, the nurses undertook clinical attachments at Mpilo Central Hospital, United Bulawayo Hospitals and 1 Referral Hospital, where they gained practical experience and underwent clinical assessments before qualifying.
Maj-Gen Gurira said the graduates would play a critical role in strengthening the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ healthcare delivery system and enhancing its preparedness to respond effectively to both military and civilian emergencies.
