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Gibson Mhaka, Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Association of Neurological Surgeons (ZANS) is set to host its 11th conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Bulawayo to explore ways to grow the field and define the role of innovative of scientific knowledge and pursuit of high standards of excellence in patient care, clinical practice and related sciences among professionals in the field of neurosurgery in the country.
The two-day conference is slated for May 18-20 under the theme: “Expanding Horizons,” and will see neurosurgeons from across the country meeting at a local hotel. The conference will mark another milestone for promoting relevant health research in neurological surgery and allied disciplines.
ZANS president Dr Aaron Musara who is also Medical Director of the Neurosciences Centre in Harare said the conference was a platform to discuss plans on training more neurosurgeons in line with national requirements as per the manpower development plans of the country.
“This is the grouping of all neurosurgeons in the country encompassing those serving in government hospitals, universities, security forces and those in private practice. The conference is a platform for sharing knowledge of neurosurgery in general and for sharing information on the neurological disease patterns in Zimbabwe in particular. It is also a platform to discuss plans on training more neurosurgeons in line with national requirements as per the manpower development plans of the country,” said Dr Musara.
He said the meeting is expected to gather about 50 delegates including other support specialists. He said in line with the Second Republic’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind in national development and its thrust on devolution the conference will be taking place out of Harare for the first time.
“The conference has only been held in Harare before but this time and as per Second Republic’s thrust on devolution and of leaving no one and no place behind it is coming to Bulawayo because there are also neurosurgeons resident and working in the city,” said Dr Musara.
One of the organisers United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH)-based neurosurgeon Lawrence Hlatshwayo said it’s all systems go for the conference.
“All is set for the conference which is set to be held in Bulawayo for the first time. The conference will see neurosurgeons from across the country converging in Bulawayo. The conference seeks to create a robust and practical platform for scientific medical discussion among neurosurgeons and will be a perfect platform for neurosurgeons to express their innovative thoughts and unique research work. Some notable neurosurgeons to grace the conference are Professor Kazadi Kalangu who is head of department of neurosurgery at the University of Zimbabwe and Mpilo-based neurosurgeon Dr Garikai Mwale who is also a lecturer at the National University of Science Technology’s School of Medicine,” said Dr Hlatshwayo.
ZANS was formed by Zimbabwe Neurosurgeons in 2010. It is accredited with the Medical and Dental Practitioners of Zimbabwe as a continuing professional development accrediting body. It is also a member of the Continental African Association of Neurosurgical Societies (CAANS). Since its formation ZANS has been complementing the University of Zimbabwe department of surgery’s training of doctors and Neurosurgeons by facilitating training through creating a platform for education and interaction with international colleagues.
Online Reporter