ZNA graduate 121 medical students
A TOTAL of 121 students have graduated at the Zimbabwe National Army’s Medical Training School (MTS) after completing courses that provided them with an understanding of the military’s health requirements during times of peace and war.
The graduands were drawn from the ZNA, the Air Force of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Republic Police as well as the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services.
The courses included State Certified Traumatology Nursing, Medical Assistant Nursing, Exodontists Group course, State Certified Medical Laboratory Technician training as well as the Registered General Nurse (RGN) programme.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony at Imbizo Barracks in Bulawayo yesterday, the ZNA’s Chief of Staff Administration, Major-General Douglas Nyikayaramba, said all four courses registered 100 percent pass rates in both the theoretical and practical national final examinations set by the Nurses’ Council of Zimbabwe.
“The excellent 100 percent overall pass rate registered in the four courses is a clear testimony of the students’ hard work, determination and dedication to their studies,” said Maj-Gen Nyikayaramba.
“This is no mean achievement as the courses provided the graduands with a clear understanding of the nature of military health requirements during peace and war time.
“All the courses provided the graduands with the requisite knowledge, skills and attitude that would enable them to handle any form of health challenges within the organisations during war and peace time,” he said.
Maj-Gen Nyikayaramba said the acquired skills should be stored, developed and shared with others to benefit not only the graduands’ respective organisations, but also the nation at large towards the fulfilment of the Zim-Asset.
He said he was aware of the challenges the students went through, which was as a result of the general resource shortages affecting the entire organisation, but thanked them for their commitment to duty.
“The nation and your respective organisations are duty bound to task you as the need arises. You will be asked to provide assistance during national disasters, strikes and medical emergencies,” Maj-Gen Nyikayaramba said.
“The organisation takes cognisance of the need to improve your working conditions. This takes a wide range of issues, such as supporting your career plan and progression among others.”
He said nursing schools and hospitals such as Mpilo Central Hospital, United Bulawayo Hospitals, Ingutsheni Central Hospital and institutions such as Bulawayo Polytechnic and Nust had helped in fulfilling the school’s syllabi through practical attachment and clinical teaching for the students — @winnie_masara.