Government has tightened enrolment requirements for individuals intending to train as nurses and only aspiring candidates people below the age of 30 with five Ordinary Levels from one sitting are eligible.
In a letter dated October 10 addressed to all hospital chief executive officers, provincial medical directors and medical superintendents, Heath and Child Care Permanent Secretary Dr Gerald Gwinji said enrolment requirements would change with effect from the May 2019 intake.
"Applicants for the above course should be between ages of 18 and 30 years. Applicants must have five O-Level passes in one sitting with Grade C or better. The subjects should include English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject. The two other subjects exclude practical subjects such as Woodwork, Building, Metalwork, Fashion and Fabrics," reads Dr Gwinji's letter.
Matabeleland North provincial medical director Dr Alfred Muchara confirmed receiving the directive.
He, however, said further details should be sought from Dr Gwinji who was unreachable for comment as his cellphone rang unanswered while he did not respond to messages sent to his mobile phone.
The Zimbabwe Nurses' Association (Zina) welcomed Government's position saying it would improve the quality of nurses being produced in the country.
Zina spokesperson Mr Enoch Dongo said nurses provide an important service to the nation hence it should never be a profession for opportunists.
"Government has said it now wants somebody to enrol as a nurse if the person has O-Level Mathematics, English and a Science subject in one sitting. Previously, the strict qualification was English Language and a Science subject but someone could enrol with more than one sitting. Mathematics was not a requirement," said Mr Dongo.
"In a nutshell it's a good development because it strengthens our profession as nurses. We don't want a situation where our profession is taken as a dump site for people. Why? Because we deal with patients hence we need to be assured of having brilliant and competent nurses."
