By Simbarashe Muparaganda
Bulawayo, (New Ziana)-Government remains committed to building a strong, capable and adequately supported health workforce as it pursue the national development aspirations set in Vision 2030,a Cabinet Minister said.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by the ministry’s secretary, Dr Sylvester Maunganidze, at Mpilo Central Hospital’s nurses’ and midwives’ graduation ceremony in Bulawayo.
A total of 179 nurses graduated at the ceremony, held under the theme “Compassionate Nurses for a Resilient and Healthy Zimbabwe.”
The Minister highlighted government’s efforts to strengthen the health workforce through recruitment, training and specialist skills development.
“These initiatives aim to expand opportunities for nurses and midwives, improve the distribution of health professionals and ensure communities across the country can access quality services, “said Dr Mombeshora.
The minister described nursing as a calling that requires “compassion, integrity, patience and, ultimately, deep respect for human dignity.”
“Nurses play a central role throughout a patient’s treatment, and that the way they welcome, listen to and care for patients can leave a lasting impression.
“The goal is holistic care that combines professional competence with kindness, empathy and respect.
“We want holistic care that combines professional competence with kindness, empathy and respect, “Minister Mombeshora said.
He described Mpilo as a key institution serving Bulawayo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Masvingo and much of the southern region.
He commended the hospital’s leadership and staff for their work to maintain its role, and acknowledged government’s Presidential Hospital Rehabilitation and Modernisation Programme, which includes improvements to buildings and the installation of medical equipment.
The Minister also explained that radiotherapy machines being installed at Mpilo and other hospitals would strengthen access to specialised cancer treatment in Zimbabwe.
He urged nursing schools to prepare for the new demands, including training oncology nurses and other specialists.
“We expect Mpilo to also think and prepare of training oncology nurses and other specialities,” the Minister urged.
He also commended the graduation of Mpilo’s first cohort of the Advanced Diploma in Emergency Nursing.
“The two-year programme represents an important investment in specialist nursing skills.
“Emergency nurses must assess patients rapidly, make sound clinical decisions and provide timely interventions in situations where every second matters,” Dr Mombeshora said.
He highlighted that the new specialists would support the ministry’s dedicated Emergency Medical Services division and help improve the coordination and delivery of emergency care nationwide.
Dr Mombeshora implored all graduates to uphold professionalism and integrity, remain accountable and put patient safety first.
He also encouraged them to keep learning, adapt to new technologies and challenges, and work collaboratively with doctors, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and other health professionals.
“Behind every patient is a person, a family and a community. May I remind you to treat everyone with dignity regardless of their circumstances. Zimbabwe is counting on you,” Dr Mombeshora said.
The graduation comes as government continues efforts to strengthen its health sector through investment in modern medical equipment, the training and recruitment of health personnel, and improved access to essential medicines across the country’s health facilities.
Ends//
