BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Kwidini, has applauded private institutions for complementing government efforts in the healthcare delivery system.
Deputy Minister Kwidini revealed that such dedicated efforts have managed to help save countless lives, ensuring improved health outcomes for the nation.
He was speaking at The Avenues Clinic’s International Nurses Day commemorations which were held on Tuesday (12 May, 2026), where he was the guest of honour.
The commemorations were held under the theme: “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”
“As the Ministry and as government at large, we are happy to commemorate this day together so that you know that the government is aware that you are there, the world is aware that you are there.
“You are not going to be left behind, our President has said it all, no place and no one should be left behind, that’s why we are at The Avenues Clinic today and not at a public institution.
“We know that private institutions complement government efforts, especially in healthcare system delivery, to make sure that a healthy nation is a productive nation, be it in private, be it in public (sector).
“We need everyone to be healthy, mentally, psychologically, emotionally, economically, socially and everything,” said Deputy Minister Kwidini.
He added that concerns of nurses should be addressed as they (nurses) are the backbone of the healthcare system worldwide, not only in Zimbabwe.
The Deputy Minister also revealed that they are working tirelessly to ensure that incentives that benefit nurses in the public sector should also benefit those in the private sector, reiterating that, “because we are serving one community, be it public or private.”
He added that the government will also look into the car rebate scheme so that it also benefits nurses in the private sector.
“You are here not by mistake but by God’s grace, because so many people want to be nurses, so many people want to be doctors, but because this is a calling as a job, they are failing and only God knows.
“As the government, we are appreciating what nurses are doing, we will always make sure to be there where we think we can be there.
“We are trying to make sure that you have a decent living and our President is appreciating that nurses are important and we need to give them favourable remuneration in line with our capacity as a nation.”
He added that nurses need to be well remunerated so that they can give the best care to patients.
“This is our President’s vision to make sure that each and every nurse and health professional is catered for, to make sure they execute their duties in a well-respected manner.
“We respect our nurses, we respect our doctors,” he added.
The Avenues Clinic Principal Nursing Officer Florence Ogwal said the presence of Deputy Minister Kwidini and other notable dignitaries was a powerful affirmation that the leadership of the country recognises and values the indispensable role nurses play in safeguarding the health of the nation.
She added that this year’s theme is both timely and profound as it “reminds us that the future of healthcare will be shaped not only by innovations and policy, but also by the extent to which we value, strengthen and empower those who remain at the heartbeat of care delivery.
“When nurses are supported, equipped, protected and entrusted with leadership, health systems become stronger, patient outcomes improve, societies are better prepared to meet both present demands and future challenges.”
She also paid gratitude to the leadership of The Avenues Clinic for their continued commitment to empowering nurses “as evident by strong clinical outcomes, the implementation of evidence-based protocols and sustained training.”
Ogwal said there had been a lot of remarkable achievements, including the safe delivery of babies weighing as little as 600 grammes.
Debra Kavhayi from the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe said this year’s theme speaks directly to the responsibility that all nursing professionals and regulators carry to ensure that nurses remain competent, ethical, disciplined, compassionate and professionally equipped to deliver safe and quality patient care.
“Nursing is one of the most trusted professions in the world because it is built on values of integrity, respect, accountability and service.
“Every nurse carries not only a professional qualification but also a moral obligation to uphold the dignity and well-being of every patient entrusted into their care.
“As the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe, we continue to emphasise the importance of nursing ethics, professional conduct, grooming, etiquette and behaviour within the profession.
“The manner in which nurses present themselves, communicate and interact with patients and colleagues significantly impacts patient confidence, institutional reputation and healthcare outcomes,” she said.
Kavhayi emphasised professionalism, which she said must remain visible not only in clinical competence but also in appearance, punctuality, discipline, confidentiality, respect, empathy and attitude towards patients and fellow healthcare workers.
“Today, as we gather in celebration, it is also pleasing to see nurses looking elegant, confident and presentable, a reflection of the pride you carry in your profession.
“Grooming and professional etiquette are not superficial matters, they communicate dignity, preparedness, self-respect and reassurance to patients and families.
“Indeed, when nurses present themselves well, they uplift not only their own image but also the image of the profession and the institutions which they represent.”
She however lamented how some nurses have fallen victim to drug and substance abuse.
“It is deeply concerning that some members of society, including healthcare professionals, have fallen victim to substance abuse and behaviours that compromise both personal well-being and professional standards.
“As nurses, we are called to be examples within our communities and custodians of health promotion.
“Drug abuse has no place within the nursing profession because it threatens patient safety, impairs judgment, damages public trust and undermines the integrity of healthcare delivery.”
The Avenues Clinic General Manager Sibusisiwe Ndhlovu said the commemorations were just a reminder of how important this day is as they were celebrating it for the second time.
She also emphasised that nursing is a calling and not just a job.
“You have to be called to be a nurse. So we honour you for answering that calling, may you continue.
“None of us who are here, except those who maybe there was an attempted home delivery, but most of us who are here, we came through the hands of a nurse.
“So the nurses are so important and I think even the theme, Our Nurses, Our Future, really resonates with what nurses do,” added Ndhlovu.
