Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Zimeye
Published on 2024-04-11 10:49:51
Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora has announced plans to remove the English language requirement for nurse training applicants in Zimbabwe. This decision comes after the ministry of health recently eliminated the need for applicants to have passed O’ Level Mathematics in order to qualify for nurse training.
During a post-cabinet briefing in Harare, Minister Mombeshora stated that the English language requirement was burdensome and discriminatory. He expressed a desire to make nursing training more accessible to a wider range of individuals who are committed to pursuing a career in nursing.
“We are still looking into a pathway for more people who are committed to nursing. We are looking at issues like if passing English with a C or better is important because anyone who has passed all these subjects has been taught in English,” Mombeshora explained.
In addition to removing the O’ Level Mathematics requirement, Mombeshora emphasized that the key subject for entering the field of medicine is Chemistry. Therefore, the ministry has retained the requirement for applicants to have passed a science subject. Minister Mombeshora believes that by focusing on key subjects like Chemistry, more individuals with the capacity and capability for nursing training will be able to enroll.
The decision to eliminate the English language requirement and O’ Level Mathematics requirement for nurse training has received support from various stakeholders in the healthcare sector. Many believe that these changes will open up opportunities for a more diverse group of individuals to pursue careers in nursing.
The move to remove the English language requirement aligns with the government’s efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity within the healthcare workforce. By making nurse training more accessible and affordable to all Zimbabweans, the ministry of health hopes to address the shortage of nurses in the country and improve overall healthcare outcomes.
Despite the changes to the eligibility requirements for nurse training, the ministry of health remains committed to maintaining high standards of education and training for aspiring nurses. The focus on key subjects like Chemistry reflects the importance of ensuring that nurse trainees have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide quality healthcare services to the community.
Overall, the decision to remove the English language requirement for nurse training represents a significant step towards promoting equal opportunities and diversity in the nursing profession. Minister Mombeshora’s efforts to review and revise the entry requirements for nurse training demonstrate a commitment to addressing barriers and ensuring that aspiring nurses have access to quality education and training opportunities.
Read the original article on The Zimbabwe Eye
