MP launches nurse aide training programme

IN a move set to improve health service delivery in Government and private hospitals in Buhera District, a legislator has partnered a humanitarian organisation in training nurse aides.

Buhera legislator Cde Soul Nzuma and Red Cross Society of Zimbabwe launched the programme with 100 trainees.

Buhera district medical officer Dr Shelton Kwiri recently revealed that Government hospitals and some private institutions were understaffed.

Dr Kwiri, who is stationed at Murambinda Mission Hospital, said clinics in his district were understaffed.

“We have staff challenges, especially on nurses and midwives,” he said. “We have three nurses who come at night and they are not enough.”

Commenting on Dr Kwiri’s sentiments, Cde Nzuma said he had entered into an arrangement with Red Cross under which they would train nurse aides.

Cde Nzuma said the nurse aides, upon completion of the course, would be deployed in clinics and hospitals around Buhera District.

“All what is left is making final arrangements with the Red Cross Society of Zimbabwe,” he said. “I had a meeting with the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care and they have indicated that they will support the programme.”

Cde Nzuma said upon completing their courses, the nurse aides would go a long way in boosting the staff complement in hospitals.

He said there were plans to construct a shelter to accommodate patients who lived far away from Murambinda.

“We have people who come from as far as Chivhu seeking health services at Murambinda Mission Hospital and other Government departments like the Registrar-General’s Office and could not afford to return on the same day,” said Cde Nzuma.

“Those people could put up in the shelter which we plan to fully furnish.”

Manicaland Provincial Minister Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba welcomed the development.