Minister of Health Joseph Kasonde, says Government has taken big strides to resolve the shortage of health personnel in facilities around the country.
Dr Kasonde said Government has identified strategies such as the need to scale up training programmes for health personnel as one way to mitigate this crisis.
He stated that Government has directed nursing training schools to boost the number of student enrolments per intake.
The Minister disclosed that this will be supported by Government capacity building projects to expand infrastructure development in the training schools to enable them accommodate increased number of intakes.
ZANIS reports that Dr Kasonde said this in a speech read on his behalf by Western Province Permanent Secretary, Seth Muleya, at the 21st graduation ceremony for 82 nurses and midwives at Lewanika School of Nursing and Midwifery in Mongu yesterday.
The Minister also said the training programmes for Nurses and Midwifery will help to contribute to the reduction of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates.
He stated that the training of medical personnel is cardinal especially if Government is to achieve the reduction in maternal
deaths.
Dr. Kasonde has since urged the graduates to work hard and keep their nurses’ pledge to uphold their professional standards as they serve communities.
“As health professionals you shall be privileged to work closely with other professionals and clients at large. Therefore bear in mind that there are still a lot to learn. Every opportunity you get in contact with a person as you discharge your responsibility is actually a chance to learn new experiences to enrich your knowledge.”
“Our clients are not only consumers but also partners in the delivery of health services. Remember to keep the nursing pledge you have made to uphold the standards of nursing and midwifery and keep a good image of the profession as you are aware nursing is a caring profession.” He said.
Speaking earlier, Lewanika Nursing School Principal Tutor, Alfred Mandona, observed the high number of maternal rates in Western Province.
However, Mr. Mandona commended efforts Government is making in addressing the high mortality rate in the country through the training of health personnel.
He observed that the training of more health professionals will greatly help the country in meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) number five of reducing by three quarters maternal mortality ratio and achieving the universal access to reproductive health by 2015.
ZANIS
Pay them well then they will dedicate themselves 100%
Health workers were promised salary increments and we expect nothing less!
Why are hospitals still crowded with people sleeping on floors and bad smells everywhere????
Is this the change we voted for?
Zambia needs a more comprehensive package in addressing problems in the health sector in Zambia which include brain drain, and simply to increase the training out put for nurses (and doctors) is enough. We trust PF will do a good job on this as will be with Education.
I meant to say, ” simply to increase the training out put for nurses (and doctors) is NOT enough”
I meant to say, ” simply to increase the training out put for nurses (and doctors) isNOT enough”
We want solutions to existing graduates. Why does this Government talk in proverbs. Make to your promises, there are already trained personnel with no jobs. Create jobs as promised not off loading more graduates. 60 days to go and nothing tangible has come forth apart from comedy of errors , u-turns etc.
Always talking about about salary increament, my foot! You are already highly paid relative to your economy! Leave change for development so that even my grand mother in the village can benefit Where do you take your money? You spend your money on beer, talktime, Dstv, women (for men) clothes, powder and skin lightening creams for women. What will that help the economy? Let there be wage freeze for now until we build the required infrastructure: roads, hospitals, schools open up the rural though irrigation channels. roads etc. This in itself creates enabling environment for investors, boasts agriculture and creates emplyment to many. Since PF is ‘not corrupt’ as they claim, let them use the salary increament for next 2 years and develop the nation. Create wealth first, then enjoy it
There has never been a promise that after salary increments the GVT shall recall all professions enjoying good salaries out side to go back. True salary increment is needed but also training is very important especially in the changing technology. Many who comment negatively on minimum wage, sometimes comment strongly or without thinking, on salary increase without understanding that others do read what they write. Bravo PF
Please a lot needs to be done in the area of health especially research into preventive measures for diseases and reduction on too many deaths! The whole approach to training for health providers has to be revisited as things are in Zambia the job description for a nurse is too long! A single professionally trained nurse does almost everything for the patients single handedly i.e. monitors, gives medications, dresses/cleans wounds, bathes/bed pans/cleans, changes bed linens, moves wheel chairs, does admission paperwork, and other small small things which could be handled by lesser personnel specifically trained to assist the nurse on daily patient needs while the nurse concentrates on managing doctors orders for patients! Create more jobs in the health sector with minimum wage!
DON’T CHEAT US WITH EMPTY PROMISES!!!
THE ONLY DECISION TO BE MADE AT END OF 90DAYS IS OCCUPY HIGH COURT, OCCUPY PARLIAMENT OR OCCUPY STATE HOUSE?
Boils down to hot air, he didnt say anything new, did he?
Thanks for the good writeup. It in fact was once a entertainment account it. Glance complicated to far delivered agreeable from you! However, how can we communicate?