News / National
Zimbabwe govt abolishes midwifery practice requirement
5 hrs ago | Views
The Government has scrapped the mandatory two-year post-qualification practice period for registered nurses seeking to enrol in midwifery training programmes, a move set to create more opportunities and fast-track career development for aspiring midwives.
The announcement was made by Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Sleimen Kwidini, during belated International Day of the Midwife commemorations held at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital on Wednesday.
"It is no longer necessary to have two years of practice to enrol as a midwifery student," said Dr Kwidini, drawing loud cheers from student and registered nurses in attendance. "For those who have not completed post-basic training, this is your opportunity; everyone is now eligible."
The previous requirement had been widely viewed as a bottleneck in the progression of nursing professionals, particularly affecting those eager to specialise in maternal and neonatal care.
Dr Kwidini urged senior health administrators not to demoralise health workers, warning that poor management practices were compounding the existing resource challenges faced by nurses.
"Our nurses are not here by choice, but because they are dedicated to serving their country and its people. We must not frustrate them," he said. "Some of our nurses are struggling not only due to limited resources but also because of hospital management."
He further underscored the indispensable role of midwives in Zimbabwe's health system, particularly during emergencies and in achieving national development goals, including Vision 2030.
"To provide the high-quality care expected of them, midwives must be adequately equipped with the necessary tools, resources, and training," he said. "This is especially critical in rural areas, where access to healthcare remains limited."
The Deputy Minister called for increased investment in midwifery through improved staffing levels, upgraded facilities, modern medical technologies, and continued professional development.
As part of the celebrations, Government honoured Ms Hegar Mapondera, one of Zimbabwe's first black midwifery tutors, who dedicated 21 years to training midwives at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital. Now 95 years old, Ms Mapondera was recognised for her trailblazing contributions to healthcare.
Themed "Midwives are critical in every crisis", this year's commemorations were supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Swedish Embassy. The event also celebrated outstanding midwives from across the country, awarding medals to those who have shown exceptional dedication to maternal healthcare.
The reforms are expected to boost the country's midwifery workforce, improve maternal health outcomes, and contribute towards achieving universal health coverage in line with national and global development targets.
The announcement was made by Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Sleimen Kwidini, during belated International Day of the Midwife commemorations held at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital on Wednesday.
"It is no longer necessary to have two years of practice to enrol as a midwifery student," said Dr Kwidini, drawing loud cheers from student and registered nurses in attendance. "For those who have not completed post-basic training, this is your opportunity; everyone is now eligible."
The previous requirement had been widely viewed as a bottleneck in the progression of nursing professionals, particularly affecting those eager to specialise in maternal and neonatal care.
Dr Kwidini urged senior health administrators not to demoralise health workers, warning that poor management practices were compounding the existing resource challenges faced by nurses.
"Our nurses are not here by choice, but because they are dedicated to serving their country and its people. We must not frustrate them," he said. "Some of our nurses are struggling not only due to limited resources but also because of hospital management."
He further underscored the indispensable role of midwives in Zimbabwe's health system, particularly during emergencies and in achieving national development goals, including Vision 2030.
"To provide the high-quality care expected of them, midwives must be adequately equipped with the necessary tools, resources, and training," he said. "This is especially critical in rural areas, where access to healthcare remains limited."
The Deputy Minister called for increased investment in midwifery through improved staffing levels, upgraded facilities, modern medical technologies, and continued professional development.
As part of the celebrations, Government honoured Ms Hegar Mapondera, one of Zimbabwe's first black midwifery tutors, who dedicated 21 years to training midwives at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital. Now 95 years old, Ms Mapondera was recognised for her trailblazing contributions to healthcare.
Themed "Midwives are critical in every crisis", this year's commemorations were supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Swedish Embassy. The event also celebrated outstanding midwives from across the country, awarding medals to those who have shown exceptional dedication to maternal healthcare.
The reforms are expected to boost the country's midwifery workforce, improve maternal health outcomes, and contribute towards achieving universal health coverage in line with national and global development targets.
Source - the herald
