Zimbabwe plans to expand private nurse training

Zimbabwe is considering opening up nursing education to more private healthcare institutions as the Government seeks to increase the number of qualified nurses and strengthen the country's healthcare system.

Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora revealed that authorities were evaluating a pilot programme at the Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa School of Nursing in Kadoma before deciding how to expand private-sector participation in nurse training.

The proposed expansion is expected to create additional training opportunities for aspiring nurses while helping address the growing demand for healthcare professionals in public and private medical institutions.

Speaking at The Avenues Clinic's 23rd graduation ceremony last week, Mombeshora said the Government recognised the importance of working with private healthcare providers to strengthen the country's medical training capacity.

A total of 38 specialist nurses graduated at the ceremony after completing training in Intensive Care Nursing and Operating Theatre Nursing.

"The Ministry intends to progressively open up private-sector participation in nurse training beyond the current pilot project being undertaken at the Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa School of Nursing in Kadoma," Mombeshora said.

He explained that the Government would adopt a carefully managed approach, using findings from the pilot programme to determine which private institutions could be authorised to provide nursing education.

"The necessary reviews and evaluations of the pilot will guide us on how and when to expand participation, as well as which institutions and partners are suitably positioned to come on board," he said.

The minister emphasised that any expansion would be informed by assessments of the pilot programme rather than an immediate opening of nursing education to all interested private institutions.

Mombeshora also commended private healthcare providers for their contribution to specialist medical services, infrastructure development, investment and the training of healthcare professionals.

He singled out The Avenues Clinic for its longstanding involvement in specialist nursing education, describing the institution as an important contributor to the country's healthcare workforce.

According to the minister, the clinic introduced Intensive Care Nursing training in 1978, followed by Operating Theatre Nursing in 1979.

Since establishing the two programmes, the institution has trained 347 specialist nurses, helping develop skills required in critical care and surgical environments.

Mombeshora welcomed the clinic's decision to broaden its training programmes through the introduction of Oncology and Palliative Care Nursing.

These specialist fields focus on caring for cancer patients and providing support to people living with serious or life-limiting illnesses.

The minister also praised The Avenues Clinic's partnership with the University of Zimbabwe, which enables students to gain practical experience through clinical attachments.

He said such collaborations demonstrated how private healthcare institutions could complement Government efforts to improve medical education and strengthen the delivery of healthcare services.

The proposed policy shift could provide an opportunity for more private hospitals and healthcare training institutions to participate in developing Zimbabwe's nursing workforce, subject to the outcome of the ongoing evaluations.

For now, the Government is expected to complete its assessment of the Kadoma pilot programme before determining the framework and timetable for wider private-sector involvement in nursing education.