By Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
GOVERNMENT will continue to prioritise resource allocation to meet the healthcare needs of its people and invest in human capital development
This was said by Vice President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga during a graduation and prize-giving ceremony for nurses at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare this Wednesday.
Among the Nurses who graduated this Tuesday at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital were 82 midwives, 433 Registered General Nurses, 23 Operating Theatre Nurses, 16 intensive care and coronary care nurses, while 22 others completed an advanced diploma in neonatal intensive care bringing the total number to 576.
Vice President General Retired Dr Constantino Chiwenga, who is also the Minister of Health and Child Care, reaffirmed the government’s commitment towards improving the welfare of healthcare workers.
“Government continues to improve the conditions of service for Nursing Tutors and all other health staff to reduce the high attrition of our healthcare professionals which impacts efficient service delivery. As such, the Ministry is instituting a host of interventions to improve the welfare of our healthcare staff. These include monetary and non-monetary incentives. The monetary incentives include a continuous review of health-specific allowances, cushioning allowances, and COVID-19 allowances as well as a continuous review of salaries.
“Regarding non-monetary incentives, the government has provided the following, A duty-free vehicle facility, procurement of buses for central hospitals, provincial and district hospitals, so far a total of 28 buses have been received, vehicle loan schemes; housing loan scheme, staff canteens and on-site accommodation at health facilities,” he said.
The graduates could not hide their joy after hard work paid off.
“I have always wanted to be a nurse and today am really grateful to have finally graduated. I made an oath to serve people and I promise to uphold that oath and practice everything I learnt during training to help all the people who are not feeling well,” said one.
Meanwhile, Sally Mugabe Central Hospital has earned special recognition after receiving a meritorious service medal from President Emmerson Mnangagwa following successful operations to separate two sets of Siamese twins.
Vice President Chiwenga also handed over certificates of recognition to medical experts who performed the surgery.
