Health Ministry moves to tackle brain drain

10 Nov, 2024 - 00:11 0 Views
Health Ministry moves to tackle brain drain Dr Douglas Mombeshora

Faith Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter

The Ministry of Health and Child Care is actively addressing the issue of brain drain within the healthcare sector and has developed a strategy to mitigate the emigration of skilled healthcare workers to the diaspora.

The alarming trend of qualified and experienced nursing staff leaving the country for better opportunities abroad has sparked urgent action from the Ministry.

The concern was articulated by Minister, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, during a recent graduation ceremony, which saw 537 nurses from hospitals including United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), Mpilo and Ingutsheni Central Hospitals graduating with nursing diplomas.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, the Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Mombeshora emphasised the pressing challenges the health sector is experiencing.

“The Health Workforce Strategy 2023-2030 is a strategy to retain our staff, increase the workforce to double the current numbers, and reduce outward migration of our well-trained, well-groomed healthcare workers to the diaspora,” he said.

He stressed the need for continuous intake increases in various disciplines to combat the ongoing brain drain.
Dr Mombeshora commended the hard work of educators, managers and medical personnel while acknowledging the systemic obstacles they face.

Dr Douglas Mombeshora

“Government is fully aware of the difficulties faced by the schools, shortages of tutors and accommodation, remuneration or lack of incentives,” he noted.

In addressing the public health challenges including drug shortages and rising mortality rates, he reassured the public that measures are being implemented to rectify the supply chain issues.

“The difficulties in the drug supply chain are being looked into, and various measures are being put in place to ensure that all vital and essential medicines are available for the public,” he added.

The Minister also highlighted the critical impact of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), particularly cancer, on the population.

“The Ministry’s leadership is working towards the resumption of cancer treatment at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Mpilo Central Hospitals,” he said, noting that while many machines are now operational, some challenges remain before patient services can fully resume.

Dr Mombeshora praised First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa for her commitment to cervical cancer screening, recognising it as a significant effort in combating cancer early and saving lives.

He encouraged the new graduates to embrace lifelong learning, emphasising that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) literacy is no longer a luxury but is now a must.

Dr Mombeshora reassured graduates that the Government is proactive in addressing ongoing challenges and is exploring new avenues such as e-learning for midwifery students. He congratulated the graduates and urged them to collaborate as part of a united healthcare system.

“I urge you all to continue with the same spirit of teamwork and a spirit of sister hospitals not indeed competitors,” he said.

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