Swazi Observer

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GO AND IMPROVE HEALTH SERVICES IN COMMUNITIES - PM

By Wonderboy Dlamini | 2024-03-29

PRIME Minister Russell Dlamini has urged the graduating class of 2023 at Good Shepherd Catholic College of Health Sciences to go and improve health services wherever they would be deployed, especially in the rural communities.

The prime minister graced the institution's 2023 graduation ceremony where 152 students graduated in four programmes.

These are Certificate in Nursing Assistant, Diploma in General Nursing, Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health, and Post-Diploma Certificate in Midwifery.

The ceremony was also graced by Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo, Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula, Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development Sikhumbuzo Dlamini and Lubombo RA Themba Msibi, amongst other dignitaries.

When addressing the graduates, the premier first highlighted that the nursing profession demanded for compassion and commitment as it was more about saving lives as opposed to just a way of earning a living.

Dlamini recounted that the health sector was tested to the core during the time of COVID-19 as all governments focused on emergency options to save the lives of people who were dying in thousands across the globe.

He commended the health ministry for having managed to contain the situation and preserved life.

In the same vein, Dlamini said it was expected therefore, that the graduation of more nurses would translate to improved services in health facilities across the country.

He said the improved health service delivery should be felt in rural areas and other underserved communities.

Previously, residents in some rural communities complained of having few health workers in their facilities. The PM said this should be a thing of the past.

To ensure quality service delivery, the prime minister also urged the graduates to consider advancing their studies so that they remain well equipped with information and skills as more new diseases are discovered. Dlamini made reference to the COVID-19 pandemic whereby health workers had to adapt to new ways of providing service to their patients.

Meanwhile, the prime minister thanked the Roman Catholic Church in its entirely for complementing government in the discharge of its mandate and responsibility to provide quality, affordable, equitable and accessible social health care and education services.

He said the Good Shepherd Catholic Hospital and College of Health Sciences has been important strategic partners in providing the necessary service. Dlamini further expressed his satisfaction at the high standards of professionalism at the college.

This was after he officially opened the occupational safety and health skills lab and classes. "I am impressed by the training facilities available to assist students during their learning," he said.

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