By George Sanzila
KATIMA MULILO – A nursing training centre for Kavango West, Kavango East and Zambezi regions was commissioned in Katima Mulilo by the Minister of Health and Social services, Dr Richard Kamwi.
The construction of the centre with an intake of over 100 students was prompted by the nationwide acute shortage of enrolled nurses and midwives.
Its inauguration was witnessed by Governor Sirkka Ausiku of Kavango West, Governor Samuel Mbambo of Kavango East and the Chairperson of the Zambezi Regional Council, Raphael Mbala, who represented Zambezi Governor, Lawrence Sampofu.
Speaking at the event, Kamwi said the health ministry has six nursing training centres with Katima Mulilo the latest recipient of the centre that will offer a three-year nursing diploma programme.
“The ministry operates six centres – in Oshakati, Onandjokwe, Otjiwarongo, Windhoek and Keetmanshoop. Last year we decided to roll out the training centre that was based in Rundu to Katima because of the deficit we experienced with enrolled nurses and midwives. We decided to introduce permanent training on an equal basis in Katima. This is why we invited all the three governors,” he said.
Kamwi further revealed that in principle the training centre will only target students from the three regions. They will be expected to ply their skills in the three regions upon completion of the course, except where necessary.
The training centre will also take in nursing trainees from other line ministries such the Ministry of Defence. Kamwi, who spent a considerable time lecturing the student nurses and lecturers on professionalism, cautioned against complacency, urging them to adhere to good practices.
“We expect our lecturers to mould and produce the best students to give us a good return on our investment. We should be able to behave professionally and refrain from deceitful practices. Students should also stop using their cellphones while receiving lessons,”