Northern Province Minister Leonard Mbao has assured that government will continue to prioritise the development of Zambia’s health care system.
Mr Mbao says to fulfill this government will continue to ensure sound financing, reliable access to medicines and enhanced quality of training in health institutions.
The Minister disclosed that health training institutions in the province have received either new infrastructure or massive renovations and supported by timely disbursement of grants.
The media reports that the Northern Province Minister said this during the fifth combined graduation ceremony for schools of nursing and midwifery in Northern Province held at Mporokoso Trades Training Institute yesterday.
“This government remains steadfast in its commitment to training and motivation of nurses and midwives, to fulfill this, health institutions in the province have either received new infrastructure or massive renovations,” Mr Mbao said.
Mr Mbao highlighted other achievements as the installation of an oxygen plant at Kasama General Hospital, construction and installation of a micro-burn incinerator in Mbala, construction of new health facilities and maternity annexes among other developments.
He added that the government has recruited over 24 000 health workers since 2022 and plans to recruit 2500 health personnel for the 2026 fiscal year in bid to bridge the human resource gap.
Speaking earlier, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia Registrar and Chief Executive Officer Beauty Zimba who was represented by Ministry of Health Assistant Director Nursing Juliet Munganga implored the graduates to familiarise themselves with the code of ethics for nurses and midwives.
Mrs Zimba implored the new health personnel to comply with the provisions of code of ethics in order to provide quality nursing and midwifery care services.
“As you step forward to join the ranks of professionals, it is crucial to recognise that your education has not just prepared you with skills, it has also entrusted you with a profound responsibility of professionalism,” Mrs Zimba emphasised.
“You are now responsible for the lives and wellbeing of others, choose integrity and accountability even when no one is watching you,” she added.
And Northern Province Health Director Ernest Mutale disclosed that 1,017 students have graduated from nursing training colleges in the Province.
Professor Mutale implored the nurses to remain offering health services within the province once recruited.
He said the Province needs their services to fill in the human resources gap.
“I know the papers that you have been awarded are competitive on the international market but I implore you to offer services within the province and your country,” he implored.
The Provincial Health Director disclosed that the Province stands at 65% overall pass rate with Mporokoso Nursing School being the highest with 87% pass rate.
The Graduation ceremony consisted of schools nursing and midwifery from Mbala, Kasama, Chilubi, Chengelo, Lukupa, Mporokoso, and Pillar of Knowledge,
Northern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Beauty Undi-Phiri, Chief Mumpolokosos’ wife and Chief Chitoshi of Lunte District attended the graduation ceremony.
The ceremony was held under the theme “Nurses and Midwives: healthy beginnings critical in every crisis for a hopeful future.,”
