Minister of Health, Roma Chilengi, has warned health workers against using mobile phones and social media at the expense of providing healthcare to patients.
Professor Chilengi says health workers, especially nurses, must uphold professional ethics and conduct themselves in a manner that promotes public confidence in the healthcare system.
In a speech read for him by Serenje District Commissioner, Ellen Mibenge, during the 8th Central Province Combined Graduation Ceremony for nurses and midwives at Malcom Moffat College of Education in Serenje, Professor Chilengi reminded the graduates of their responsibility to serve patients with dedication and professionalism.
“Always remember that you are trained to care for and nurture people from all walks of life without segregation,” he said.
Professor Chilengi said the public expected nurses to perform their duties diligently while maintaining appropriate ethical conduct and attitudes.
He warned that the government would not tolerate negative attitudes towards patients, stressing that nurses found wanting would be disciplined accordingly.
Meanwhile, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia Director of Practice and Compliance, David Mbewe, said the council developed guidelines on the professional use of mobile phones and social media among nurses and midwives.
Mr Mbewe said the guidelines were intended to protect patient confidentiality, maintain professional boundaries and promote ethical communication among healthcare practitioners.
And Zambia Union of Nurses and Midwives Organisation (ZUNMO) Deputy General Secretary for Finance and Administration, Ernest Semulo, said the organisation would work with the Ministry of Health to ensure that more graduates were considered for employment during this year’s health workers’ recruitment.
A total of 414 nurses and midwives graduated from Kabwe College of Nursing, Chitambo College of Nursing, Chisomo College of Health Sciences, Serenje College of Nursing and Midwifery, and Mkushi College of Applied Science.
The graduation ceremony was held under the theme, “Caring for Individuals, Empowering Families and Transforming Communities through Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery.”
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