Rising transfer requests concern Health Minister MUCHIMA
By Nicholas Mwale
Health Minister ELIJAH MUCHIMA has expressed concern over the increasing number of health workers not willing to work in rural areas.
Dr. MUCHIMA is saddened with the increased number of transfer requests from rural areas to urban especially Lusaka and Copperbelt.
The Minister says there is need to develop policies to address issues of employment to prioritise those who are willing to work in rural areas.
Dr. MUCHIMA was speaking when he officiated at the 10th combined Graduation Ceremony for North-Western Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery held at Mukinge College of Nursing and Midwifery in Kasempa.
He also cautioned health workers against stealing drugs and issuing prescriptions in government health facilities for medicines that are available.
Dr. MUCHIMA said those involved in malpractice risk jail terms of not less than seven years.
And Nurses and Midwifery Council of Zambia -NMCZ- Registrar BEAUTY ZIMBA urged nurses and midwives to adhere to the professional code of conduct for the industry.
Mrs. ZIMBA said the council is concerned with the increased unprofessional behaviour especially the wearing of wrong and short uniforms, long artificial nails and eye lashes.
She said the council has also noted an increase in the use of electronic gadgets such cell phones while on duty.
Mrs. ZIMBA said nurses and midwives should familiarise themselves with the professional code of conduct as the council will not tolerate wrong behaviour.
Meanwhile, North-Western Provincial Health Director LUCKSON CHIDIKITA called for the training of Critical Care and Theatre Nurses within the Province.
Dr. CHIDIKITA said currently, Critical Care nurses and Theatre Nurses are not trained within the province.
He said such nurses are essential in Maternal and Newborn Health situations.
And Mukinge College of Nursing and Midwifery Board Chairperson Bishop PAUL MUSUSU praised government for the consistency in providing grants to the training institutions.
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