HEALTH and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora has commended private healthcare institutions for complementing Government efforts to strengthen Zimbabwe’s health sector, citing The Avenues Clinic’s contribution to specialist nursing training.
Speaking as the guest of honour at The Avenues Clinic School of Nursing’s 23rd graduation ceremony held on Friday at Celebration Centre in Harare, Dr Mombeshora said private healthcare institutions had played a significant role in improving the country’s health outcomes through service delivery, specialist care, training, infrastructure development and investment.
“Let me acknowledge the longstanding contribution of The Avenues Clinic to specialist nursing education in Zimbabwe. Since introducing Intensive Care Nursing in 1978 and Operating Theatre Nursing in 1979, the institution has trained 347 specialist nurses in these two disciplines,” Dr Mombeshora said.
“The more recent introduction of Oncology and Palliative Care Nursing, together with its collaboration with the University of Zimbabwe in providing clinical attachment opportunities, demonstrates a continued commitment to strengthening nursing competencies.”
He commended the clinic’s board, management, tutors, clinical instructors and partners for investing in nursing education, describing their contribution as important to the national health system.
“I encourage The Avenues Clinic to sustain its contribution and remain an active partner in advancing our national health priorities.
“I am aware of The Avenues Clinic’s longstanding involvement in specialist nurse training and its intention to extend its programmes to include General Nursing at Diploma level.
“This is a welcome expression of interest, and Government recognises the potential contribution of private institutions in expanding our training capacity.
“The Ministry’s intention is 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.”
The Avenues Clinic Managing Director, Sibusisiwe Ndhlovu, said the institution remained committed to developing specialist healthcare professionals capable of responding to evolving patient needs and improving healthcare delivery in Zimbabwe and beyond.
A total of 38 nurses drawn from central, district, private and mission hospitals across the country graduated with diplomas in Intensive and Coronary Care Nursing and Operating Theatre Nursing.
Of the graduates, 19 specialised in Intensive Care Nursing, while the other 19 graduated in Operating Theatre Nursing.
Ndhlovu said the clinic commits approximately US$200 000 annually to postgraduate nursing education, complemented by investments in medical equipment and infrastructure to enhance healthcare delivery.
“Through The Avenues Clinic School of Nursing, we are committed to expanding our specialist nurse training. As we expand our specialist nurse training effort, this year we added Oncology and Palliative Care post-basic specialist nurse training. We acknowledge the support that we have received from the Ministry of Health and Nursing Council of Zimbabwe,” she said.
“As The Avenues Clinic, we have a proud and longstanding legacy in specialist nursing education. We have been training Intensive Care Nurses since 1998 and Operating Theatre Nurses since 1999 in partnership with Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where we support the open-heart surgery and attach our nurses.”
Ndhlovu said the institution’s training legacy had been sustained through the dedication of tutors, clinical instructors, nursing leadership and healthcare professionals, who provide students with both academic knowledge and practical clinical experience.
“To date, The Avenues Clinic School of Nursing has trained 185 Intensive Care Nurses and 162 Operating Theatre Nurses, bringing the total to 347 specialist nurses. This is a contribution of which The Avenues Clinic is immensely proud,” she said.
“Today, therefore, it is about much more than giving a certificate. It is a celebration of our continued investment in healthcare, the advancement of specialist nursing practice, and our collective responsibility to build a stronger healthcare system for Zimbabwe.”
She urged the graduates to pursue continuous professional development, saying the evolving nature of healthcare required nurses to remain abreast of emerging knowledge and technology.
“Never stop learning. Healthcare continues to evolve, and so must we. Remain curious, embrace new knowledge and technology, uphold the highest professional and ethical standards, and always be willing to share your knowledge with those who come after you,” she said.
“Go forward with confidence. Serve with excellence. Lead with integrity. Care with compassion. Wherever your careers take you, always remember the privilege and responsibility that come with being called a nurse.”
